A burst blood vessel in the eye—alternately known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage—might look intimidating when you first see it. It is usually a red patch on the white part of the eye that will make you anxious. Seeing a red patch in the eye is a tad unsettling, sure, but listen to the best part: typically, it won't hurt a thing and should resolve itself in a week or two.
In this article, we will take you through the causes of a burst eye vessel and a red spot in the eye, home remedies for treating, and protective measures to avoid future occurrences. Whether you just noticed a burst blood vessel in the eye or you are looking for vision care tips on easing eye strain, this guide will educate you on how to heal fast.
What Causes a Blown Eye Vessel?
A broken capillary in the eye can be caused by numerous reasons, ranging from minor causes to more severe ones. The issue is commonly caused by:
- Sudden pressure fluctuations (e.g., heavy lifting, sneezing, or coughing).
- Eye strain due to prolonged reading, computer work, or reading without rest.
- Eye trauma or injury, including rubbing the eye too hard or being poked.
- Medications that dilute the blood, e.g., aspirin or blood thinners, increase the chances for small blood vessels to rupture.
- Increased blood pressure could make blood vessels more prone to bursting and lead to eye blood vessel bursts.
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes, affect the blood vessels.
While these causes vary, the effect is normally the same: a ruptured blood vessel in the eye that could lead to an apparent red spot in the sclera. Do not panic, however, since it is normally a minor issue that will heal on its own.
How to Heal a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye Fast
Even though it is true that most episodes will heal spontaneously in 7 to 14 days, there are a few things you can do to make it heal quicker and with less pain. Some of the tips on how to heal a broken blood vessel in the eye fast are listed below:
1. Cold Compress (First 24 Hours)
Within the first 24 hours of observing the eye blood vessel bursts, a cold compress applied to your eye will reduce swelling and irritation. The coldness causes the blood vessels to constrict, which can restrict further bleeding and alleviate pain. Just wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth and place them gently over your closed eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not touch ice directly in order to avoid hurting your sensitive skin.
2. Warm Compress (After 48 Hours)
After 48 hours have lapsed, you can then employ a warm compress. A warm compress increases blood circulation to the affected area, thus accelerating healing. To prepare a warm compress, wet a clean cloth with warm water and apply it to the eye for 10-15 minutes. This is effective in reducing the prominence of the red spot in the eye.
3. Artificial Tears
Since a broken blood vessel in the eye can cause dryness or irritation, using artificial tears can provide relief. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can keep your eye moist, preventing additional discomfort. This is particularly helpful if your eye feels scratchy or dry after the blood vessel bursts. These drops do not affect the healing of the hemorrhage, but they help reduce irritation, especially if you’re sensitive to light or wind.
4. Rest & Hydration
Adequate rest and hydration are essential to support your body's natural healing process. Drink plenty of water and make sure you’re getting enough sleep to allow your body to gain eye strain relief. Your body will heal more efficiently if it is well-rested and hydrated. Plus, reducing eye strain by limiting screen time and resting your eyes will help prevent further damage and support recovery.
5. Avoiding Blood Thinners
If you're on medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners, and it's medically safe to do so, you may want to avoid or taper these during recovery. Blood thinners could be responsible for an increased likelihood of more bruising or bleeding. Nevertheless, always consult your doctor before altering any medications. If you’re uncertain about what’s best for your situation, a visit to an expert from the best eye doctors catalog can help guide your decision.
What NOT to Do
While it’s tempting to address the issue directly, certain actions can make the situation worse. Here are things to avoid when trying to heal a popped blood vessel in the eye:
1. Rubbing the eye: This can cause further irritation or even increase the bleeding.
2. Excessive screen time: Sitting in front of a computer screen for long periods may prolong recovery.
3. Premature contact lens use: Contact lenses can irritate the eye and exacerbate the issue. Thus, let your eye recover before resuming use of contact lenses.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Most cases of ruptured blood vessels in the eye are harmless and require no medical treatment. However, knowing what causes a busted eye vessel and how to fight it may not be enough. Be aware of these symptoms:
Protracted or progressive bleeding: If redness does not start to heal within a fortnight.
Pain or vision change: Pain or vision change can be a sign of another condition that needs to be treated.
Frequent instances: If you find yourself frequently experiencing eye blood vessel bursts, it might be an idea to speak with a doctor, especially if you have conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
A consultation with a professional will help determine whether there is anything more serious affecting your eye health and provide advice on how to approach the issue in the future. Moreover, it is always useful to check your eyes to make sure that no more serious problems, such as cataract, develop.
Avoiding Eye Blood Vessel Bursts
- Manage your blood pressure: Keeping your blood pressure under control can significantly reduce the risk of a blood vessel burst.
- Take breaks from screen time: As mentioned, excessive screen time can contribute to eye strain and other problems.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Try to resist the urge to rub your eyes, as this can damage blood vessels in the delicate tissue of the eye.
- If you’re unsure about how to manage your eye health, consult with your doctor or explore vision care tips provided by experts.
Conclusion
An injured blood vessel in the eye may be scary at first, but it's a benign condition that will heal on its own. With instructions on how to heal a broken blood vessel in the eye fast, you can speed up healing and reduce pain. With cold and warm compresses, hydration, and blood pressure management, there are many alternatives to heal. If you find any suspicious symptoms or recurring issues, don't hesitate to get in touch with an eye specialist. Your vision and eyes are more valuable than anything else, so take care of them well!
To receive a more individualized treatment regimen, look through the doctors catalog and choose the appropriate professional for your situation. Don't ignore the signs, because your health depends on your choices.
