A vessel burst in the eye of an adult and a child: reasons

Nutrients and oxygen are essential for any organ to function properly. They are delivered by arterial blood. The blood supply to the eyes is carried out through the ocular arteries (branches from the carotid arteries), which in turn branch out into a whole network of smaller arteries, arterioles and capillaries. In addition, through the complex venous system, the outflow of blood deprived of oxygen and enriched with metabolites is carried out. The presence of such a rich network of tiny blood vessels leads to the fact that, under the influence of various reasons, the choroid can rupture, and the blood spills onto the sclera under the connective membrane that covers it (conjunctiva). It is about such a hemorrhage that they mean when they say that a vessel in the eye has burst.

You can detect it visually by looking at your reflection in the mirror. Usually this event is not accompanied by pain. At the site of a subconjunctival hematoma (hyposhagmus), slight pressure on the surface of the eyeball may be felt, irritation as from a soft foreign body. [1]

Blood can also spill into the space between the iris and the cornea (hyphema), the retina, or the vitreous humor. The last two types of hemorrhages are not visually determined, however, they make themselves felt by the symptoms of visual impairment.

So, the appearance of a bright or dark red spot on the outside of the eye is the result of rupture of the walls of one or more vessels. To the question: can a vessel in the eye burst? - the answer is yes.

Such a cosmetic defect does not last long, about a week or two. Often, the circumstances that led to the violation of the integrity of the vascular membranes leave no doubt - after a bruise, physical overstrain, violent tearing sobs, bleeding spots appear on the whites of the eyes. But often they arise for no apparent reason and repeatedly. Such fragility of blood vessels may indicate destructive changes in them occurring at the cellular level.

It makes no sense to be lost in conjecture about what a bursting vessel in the eye means, and, even more so, to engage in self-diagnosis. It is recommended to seek professional help. You may need advice from medical specialists of various profiles.

Epidemiology

The exact statistics of ruptured blood vessels is not known, however, from time to time, nine out of ten inhabitants of the planet turn to complaints of hemorrhages under the mucous membrane of the eye. If we also take into account those who do not apply, then the vessel in the eye, apparently, burst practically in every person, in some - and more than once. By itself, a visible rupture of the vessel is not dangerous for vision and resolves on its own, but the frequent appearance of hematomas indicates an increased fragility of the vascular network, which may be a manifestation of unfavorable changes in the body. [2]

Causes of the a ruptured vessel in the eye

A fairly common reason for the appearance of a hematoma on the visible part of the eye is an injury - a bruise, a blow, and not only directly to the organ of vision itself, but also to the head, as well as a contusion of the whole body. Naturally, such an event cannot go unnoticed. Even if the only damage turned out to be that a vessel in the eye burst from a blow, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist. A blood-red spot on a protein can go away without treatment in a week or two, symptoms of visual discomfort can be attributed to the consequences of trauma and partial retinal detachment can be overlooked, so it is better to play it safe. [3]

It often happens that the capillary in the eye has burst due to pressure, stress, for example, after dragging weights, sports activities, visiting a bathhouse, unrestrained crying (more often in children). Hemorrhage under the conjunctiva can be the result of intense vomiting or severe coughing, sneezing in case of respiratory diseases. Even after sleeping in an unsuccessful position (pressure on the eye with a pillow, a hand placed), you can find a cracked vessel in the eye in the morning. Wearing contact lenses increases the risk of bleeding. Natural labor is associated with the stress not only of the woman, but also of the child, which often leads to the fact that both of the main participants in the process burst blood vessels in the eyes and even under the skin. [4]

Fatigue, lack of lacrimal fluid, or spasm of the ocular muscles as a result of overexertion violate vascular tone. In addition, a person often involuntarily rubs or scratches tired eyes, which leads to rupture of the vascular walls and the appearance of a blood stain on the sclera.

A one-off situation is not dangerous and does not require medical attention. However, if after any load the whites of the eyes turn red, you need to pay attention to this. [5]

Inflammatory diseases, eye infections lead to increased permeability and rupture of the vascular membranes. Patients often complain that the vessels in the eye burst after conjunctivitis.

Redness of the sclera of the eyes can be an allergic reaction to the prescribed antibacterial drops. This is the most common side effect of topical treatment for bacterial eye inflammation. For example, in some patients after Tobrex, blood vessels in the eyes burst. Any drops or antibiotic ointment can cause flushing and increased vascular permeability. It depends on individual sensitivity. [6]

Glaucoma, which disrupts the circulation of fluid in the eye and increases intraocular pressure, can cause periodic rupture of the vascular walls.

The same applies to the so-called "non-glaucoma" increase in intraocular pressure, which can be observed in patients with certain systemic diseases or be associated with long-term hormonal therapy, as well as age-related fluid balance disorders.

A sharp jump in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) can lead to hemorrhage from the vessels of the eye. People with hypertension are more likely to develop such formidable complications as stroke, myocardial infarction, dissecting aortic aneurysm or rupture. 

Risk factors

Other risk factors for rupture of the walls of blood vessels in the eye are diabetes mellitus; atherosclerosis; thrombocytopenia; Sjogren's syndrome; taking medications that thin the blood; neoplasm in the eye; meteosensitivity; stress; alcohol consumption; avitaminosis; lack of sleep; ophthalmic operations and other manipulations.

The pathogenesis of rupture of the vascular membranes corresponds to the cause of such an event. The appearance of one or more red spots on the sclera of the eye does not at all mean the presence of ocular or systemic pathology, although the appearance is impressive. Nevertheless, blood should be monitored for sugar content, coagulability, blood pressure dynamics should be monitored and examined for glaucoma. [7]

It is the changes in these indicators for various reasons that lead to bleeding of the thin blood vessels of the conjunctiva, and a small amount of blood gets under it on the sclera. [8]

The most harmless are one-time ruptures of the vascular walls that occur at the moments when, under the action of mechanical stress (stress, pressure), small eye vessels overflow with blood, their membrane does not withstand its pressure and breaks through. In such cases, blood usually accumulates in the space between the conjunctiva and the sclera. In the first few days, the hematoma has a bright blood-red color, then begins to dissolve. Before the complete disappearance of the hyposhagmus, it acquires a yellowish-greenish tint, like an ordinary bruise, since it is.

Inflammation and infections of the eyes, allergies, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, vitamin deficiency, glaucoma and a number of other pathologies cause acute or chronic angiopathy. The vascular membranes become permeable, become brittle, as a result, they can burst from the slightest stress, even with a sharp movement of the head. 

In hypertensive patients, the eyes, along with the brain and kidneys, are referred to as target organs, primarily suffering at the time of seizures. Alcohol, stress, meteosensitivity increase the risk of developing a hypertensive crisis and rupture of the vascular membranes in the eyes that cannot withstand blood flow.

Diseases of the hematopoietic organs, the lack of certain vitamins, the intake of certain drugs, in particular, preventing thrombosis, leads to a violation of the rheological properties of blood - thrombocytopenia, a decrease in the level of its coagulation factors, and transformations of the vascular endothelium. Against this background, recurrent spontaneous hemorrhages occur.

Symptoms of the a ruptured vessel in the eye

When a person says that a vessel in his eye has burst, he usually means the appearance of a blood-red spot on his protein. If a rupture is discovered by chance, and the hemorrhage does not occupy more than a quarter of the visible white area of the eyeball (hyposhagmus of the 1st degree), then there are no uncomfortable sensations with such a lesion, the first signs are determined visually.

A hematoma can occupy half of the visible surface of the sclera (grade II) and be accompanied by a feeling of slight discomfort - friction when blinking.

The sensation of a foreign body in the eye occurs when blood clots occupy more than two-thirds of the visible part of the white of the eye. Such a defeat is attributed to the third degree.

Since blood is poured out of a ruptured vessel, and this is a liquid substance, the size and location of the spot can change depending on the position of the body, especially until the blood begins to clot. In the first days after the rupture, when the person is in an upright position, the blood clot is displaced to the bottom of the eyeball, and after sleep, for example, you can find that the spot has spread and visually occupies a large area.

Psychosomatics considers eye diseases as a consequence of rejection of the events that we see and in which we participate. Unwillingness to see everyday little things causes irritation, bigger problems - anger and aggression. Vindictiveness, jealousy, old grievances are superimposed on each other. Unwillingness to forgive results in glaucoma; collapse of hopes, disappointment - in conjunctivitis. People look at life aggressively, with eyes full of irritation and anger, through the prism of their negativity, not wanting to change their views and lifestyle. Emotions, restrained for a long time, latent aggression at some point break through the choroid and a hematoma appears in the eye. [9]

A red eye and slight discomfort in the absence of other manifestations indicates that, regardless of the cause, blood effusion simply occurred through the walls along the vessels. The redness will go away soon. You do not need to worry too much, especially if you can trace its connection with lifting or moving heavy objects, prolonged work in the upside down position, poor lighting when working with small parts and the like.

But if the appearance of a hyperemic sclera is accompanied by nosebleeds, traces of blood on the toothbrush, abundant prolonged (extraordinary) menstruation in women, then these are symptoms of poor blood clotting. Perhaps you have been prescribed a course of drugs, the side effect of which is a destructive effect on the walls of blood vessels, the development of anemia or thrombocytopenia. Even if you are prescribed anti-thrombotic agents that can cause these effects, they cannot be canceled on your own without consulting your doctor.

A bruise under the eye can be a symptom of a blow or contusion, as well as a complication of ophthalmic manipulations. In this case, the vessel often bursts on the sclera. With an injury, especially if there is pain in the eye, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to avoid dangerous consequences - a decrease or loss of vision.

Vessels in the lower eyelid and under it can burst with the formation of a hematoma from the same reasons as in the eyes - tension, hypertension, coagulation problems, microangiopathies in systemic diseases (diabetics and heart disease are especially predisposed). The appearance of blue under the eyes can provoke excess weight, temperature drops, poorly selected cosmetics, stress and tears.

The head hurts and a vessel burst in the eye with glaucoma, hypertensive crisis, transient ischemic attack. These symptoms can be the harbingers of a stroke. You shouldn't ignore them. High blood pressure must be reduced with medication. Usually, experienced hypertensive patients always have them at hand. [10]

If this symptom appears for the first time, you need to seek emergency help. Especially in the presence of limb tremor, suffocation, hyperhidrosis, dizziness, tachycardia, other discomfort in the heart, weakness and unexplained anxiety.

Hyposhagmus against a background of headache can also be observed in a hypotonic person, since with any abnormal pressure indicators in the arteries, their tone decreases, and they become less elastic.

The rupture of the vessel wall, as a rule, does not cause pain. It hurts to blink in case of trauma by a foreign body, xerophthalmia, inflammation of the conjunctiva of allergic or infectious genesis, which may be accompanied by a violation of the integrity of the vessels. Eyes cut and watery with bacterial infection, purulent discharge is possible. Allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by severe itching and swelling of the eyelids. [11]

It hurts to blink and move your eyes, they watery, blood vessels crack in the eyes and inside the eyelid with viral infections - influenza, Coxsackie's disease, chickenpox, enterovirus lesions, adenovirus. Such symptoms can accompany any acute viral infection. They appear from high fever, acute respiratory symptoms, vomiting, and damage to the conjunctival cells by the virus. [12], [13]

If a vessel in the eye bursts in the morning, you may have overworked the day before; slept in an uncomfortable position with their face buried in the pillow; spent the evening in a steam room or in a smoky dry room; overdid it with alcohol, or maybe they just noticed that it burst, only in the morning. In all other cases, when the cause was pathological, the time of vessel rupture does not matter.

Hemorrhage under the conjunctiva can occur on either side, less often on both. Localization falls on the side of greatest pressure, injury. For example, if a vessel inside the eye on the left burst, then perhaps, for example, at the moment of pressure rise, you supported your left cheek with your hand or jerked up a heavy bag with your left hand. With contusion, labor pains, and other loads associated with strong and uniform tension, the vessels usually burst in both eyes.

Metaphysical explanations for the localization of the lesion boil down to the fact that the left eye is associated with maternal influence and self-identification, therefore, we are not satisfied with something in our relationship with the mother, some kind of conflict with her or with ourselves (internal contradictions have accumulated). If the vessel inside the eye on the right has burst, then the negative can be attributed to the unwillingness to see some features of the surrounding world, strangers, as well - this side can talk about a conflict with the father. From this point of view, if the vessels in both eyes burst, then you hold back aggression towards everything in the world for a long time, including yourself.

The skin of the eyelids is permeated with a network of vessels, it is very delicate and thin, therefore, if a vessel on the eyelid bursts, the red mark on it is clearly visible visually. It can be a symptom of various pathologies that cause hypertension, angiopathy and / or disruption of the enzymes responsible for blood clotting, as well as pressure and tension. Often the vessels rupture at the same time in the eye and on the eyelids. However, the most common cause of eyelid rupture is trauma to the eye. If visible symptoms occur immediately after injury, then usually such a lesion does not pose a danger, and hematomas in the form of glasses that form on the second or third day after injury are a sign of a fracture of the skull base and require urgent medical attention.

The situation when a vessel burst on the white of the eye may not pose any danger. Usually, there are no other symptoms, the eye does not hurt, it does not itch, does not water, and one can recall that the appearance of a cosmetic defect was preceded by lack of sleep, overstrain, alcohol consumption and similar one-time events. In other cases, it is worth paying a visit to the doctor, since the hematoma in the eye will resolve, however, the diseases that caused the rupture of the vessel must be identified and treated. [14]

Localization of hemorrhage (a vessel burst in the corner of the eye, under the eye, above the eye) has no diagnostic value and is not a symptom indicating a specific cause of its appearance.

Hyphema (the appearance of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye), firstly, is also visible visually. Depending on the amount of blood that has poured out and the cause, it can manifest itself only visually, but it can cause photophobia, cramps, itching (if infected), pain in the eyes (impaired blood clotting), qualitative changes in visual acuity or its complete absence (a hematoma covers the iris and pupil).

The hyposhagmus and hyphema are visible visually, hemorrhage appears on the outer part of the eyeball. The fundus vascular network is much richer, and for the same reasons described above, it can rupture out of sight. In such cases, they say that the retinal vessel has burst. This is a more dangerous condition than subconjunctival hematoma and hyphema, although the prognosis depends on its location. Peripheral hemorrhage or blood effusion along the course of the vessel may be asymptomatic and imperceptible. However, if the hematoma has spread to the macular area, then vision immediately deteriorates, and urgent help is needed.

It is also dangerous when blood from a ruptured retinal vessel enters the vitreous humor (hemophthalmus). In this case, a tubercle appears on the white of the eye. Small hematomas are manifested by the appearance of floating objects in the patient's field of vision - points, worms, a veil in front of the eyes, which sometimes has a reddish tint. In severe cases, visual function is usually severely impaired and a doctor should be consulted immediately.

When a vessel in a child's eye bursts, parents are naturally worried. The reasons for this event in children are exactly the same as in adults. Injuries, eye strain (the child spends a lot of time at the monitor), coughing, sobbing and straining with constipation - you need to analyze what preceded the appearance of a red speck in the eye. If the child does not complain of pain and still sees well, there is no danger. However, it is advisable to visit an ophthalmologist.

When the cause of the rupture of the vessel is unclear, it is imperative to examine the child. Avitaminosis, vegetative-vascular dystonia, renal hypertension, diabetes mellitus in children is less common, but pathology cannot be ruled out. Especially in cases where blood vessels burst regularly.

Babies can also suffer from diseases that cause fragility of blood vessels, however, much more often the reason that a vessel burst in the eye of a baby is severe crying, constipation. Coordination of movements in babies is not yet very good, so they can injure their eyes when playing with a rattle.

The body of the expectant mother is experiencing an increased load, including the vessels suffer - the volume of circulating blood increases, some have increased blood pressure, sometimes intraocular pressure. During pregnancy, previously dormant pathologies may appear, as well as gestational diabetes mellitus. Poor nutrition of the expectant mother can lead to vitamin deficiency. Therefore, if a vessel burst in the eye during pregnancy, it can be both a harmless accident and indicate the development of painful changes in the body of the expectant mother. It is advisable to draw the attention of your gynecologist to what happened and follow his instructions.

Stress during childbirth is a serious physical stress on the body of the mother and baby. Statistics show that in about a fifth of women in labor, the vessels in the eye burst during childbirth and after childbirth, sometimes the entire surface of the skin after childbirth is covered with small punctate hemorrhages. Moreover, such injuries occur in both the mother and the child. The reason for this is rapid childbirth, stimulation of labor, as well as the inability of a woman in labor to push correctly. Such hemorrhages quickly resolve in mothers and babies and do not require any treatment.

Complications and consequences

What is the danger of a burst vessel in the eye? Concomitant symptoms are a marker for assessing the severity of an event. If, apart from a red spot on the sclera or even the iris of the eye, nothing else bothers, then most likely there is no danger to vision. In the presence of other symptoms (pain, cuts, burning, lacrimation), indicating inflammation of the eye structures, other eye pathologies (decreased visual acuity), treatment is necessary, which will be prescribed by a doctor .

Frequent hematomas on the visible part of the eye may indicate pathological changes in the vessels caused by common diseases. These diseases can be dangerous: decompensated hypertension is fraught with stroke and heart attack; diabetes mellitus - the development of hypoglycemic coma; coagulation disorders can talk about blood diseases, etc. It is the causes of pathological changes in the vessels that should be established and treated.

How long does a ruptured blood vessel travel in the eye when the redness goes away? As a rule, it takes two to three weeks to get rid of a cosmetic defect. This is a common bruise. Redness within five to six days is replaced by yellowness, which gradually fades and dissolves.

If a vessel in the eye bursts and does not pass, that is, a red spot remains in a certain place of the eye all the time, then the vessels are constantly bursting. The capillaries in the eye are small, there are many of them, and sometimes it is difficult to understand that the next one has burst. Therefore, it is necessary to look for the cause of such a condition, moreover, necessarily together with the doctor and, without postponing the visit to him for a long time.

In addition, a drip of potassium iodide is often recommended for resorption of hemorrhage. And these drops are able to dilate blood vessels and reduce the density of blood. One of their side effects is called redness of the eyes, that is, the effusion of blood along the vessels. If a vessel in the eye has burst due to problems with blood clotting, then these drops can only harm.

Diagnostics of the a ruptured vessel in the eye

After examining and interviewing the patient, he will be prescribed tests. A clinical blood test will give an idea of its composition. With a decrease in the number of platelets, the presence of anemia, the patient is prescribed a coagulogram, which makes it possible to get an idea of blood coagulability and the factors of its violation.

A blood glucose test can help rule out or confirm diabetes. [15]

Instrumental diagnostics are also prescribed. Biomicroscopy of the eye can reveal inflammatory diseases, degenerative-dystrophic processes (neovascularization, structural abnormalities), assess the transparency of optical media, and determine the area of hemorrhage. A slit lamp, when using a Goldman lens, also allows you to assess the condition of the fundus.

Inspection with an ophthalmoscope gives an idea of the internal structures of the eye, a gonioscope - about the anterior chamber of the eye. Angiography of the vessels of the eye may be prescribed.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis in ophthalmology is carried out between hyphema, hyposhagmus, hemophthalmus, retinal hemorrhage.

Among the causes of hemorrhage, they differentiate from a single overvoltage more serious - disorders of hemostasis, angiopathy, hypertension, tumors. [16]

Vessels can rupture in the eyes with hemorrhage in the parts of the brain. If a vessel in the head bursts (stroke), the symptoms suggest the appearance of severe headache, weakness, photopsies, impaired coordination of movement, difficulty maintaining balance, pronouncing phrases and even words, one-sided paralysis of the face or the whole body. The state of health of a person after a stroke deteriorates sharply. However, there are cases when the patient did not go to the doctor immediately. Much depends on the location of the hemorrhage. Therefore, a rupture of a vessel in the eye in combination with another of the indicated symptoms should prompt not to waste time. It plays a decisive role in this case.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of rupture of blood vessels in the eyes, it is necessary to optimize the loads - physical, mental, visual, to establish a reasonable mode of work and rest, good nutrition.

If your work involves high eye strain, do not neglect eye gymnastics.

Reduce the use of alcoholic beverages, nicotine, caffeine, limit visits to steam rooms and baths.

Wash your face only with cold water - this tones up the blood vessels.

If possible, keep the rooms where you spend most of your time at the optimum humidity level.

Treat chronic and acute diseases in a timely manner, take medications prescribed by your doctor.

Try to avoid stress and intense anxiety. Psychotherapists recommend reconsidering your life attitudes, not taking on too much and organizing your life in accordance with your aspirations.

Forecast

The situation when a vessel in the eye burst, but this did not affect the quality of your vision, should be resolved quite safely. However, it can be the first call from more serious pathologies, so do not neglect your health and get examined, especially if this has already happened.

Rupture of the vessel, accompanied by other symptoms of ill health, requires medical intervention, sometimes immediately. The prognosis in this case depends on the diagnosis and often on the speed of care. [17]

Sometimes users ask the question: How to do it on purpose to burst a vessel in the eye? It is not entirely clear why this is needed. Damage to vision is nevertheless inflicted, however, in this case, there is no question of disability. Neither a certificate of exemption from classes, nor a sick leave due to a small hemorrhage in the eye is allowed, but from a serious one you can go blind. The game is not worth the candle.