Burst vessel in the eye in an adult and a child: causes

Nutrients and oxygen are necessary for the normal functioning of any organ. They are delivered by arterial blood. The blood supply to the eyes is carried out through the ophthalmic arteries (branches from the carotid), which in turn branch out into a whole network of smaller arteries, arterioles and capillaries. In addition, the outflow of blood deprived of oxygen and enriched with metabolites is carried out through a complex venous system. The presence of such a rich network of tiny blood vessels leads to the fact that under the influence of various reasons the vascular membrane can rupture, and blood can spill onto the sclera under the connective membrane covering it (the conjunctiva). This is the kind of hemorrhage that is meant when they say that a blood vessel in the eye has burst.

It can be detected visually by looking at your reflection in the mirror. Usually this event is not accompanied by pain. In the place of the subconjunctival hematoma (hyposphagma) a slight pressure on the surface of the eyeball can be felt, irritation as from a soft foreign body. [ 1 ]

Blood may also spill into the space between the iris and cornea (hyphema), into the retina or vitreous body. The last two types of hemorrhage are not visually determined, but they make themselves known by symptoms of visual impairment.

So, the appearance of a bright or dark red spot on the outer side of the eye is the result of a rupture of the walls of one or more blood vessels. To the question: can a blood vessel burst in the eye? - 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 overexertion, violent heart-rending sobbing, hemorrhage spots appear on the whites of the eyes. But they often occur without obvious reasons and repeatedly. Such fragility of the vessels may indicate destructive changes in them, occurring at the cellular level.

There is no point in guessing what a burst blood vessel in the eye means, and, even more so, in self-diagnosis. It is recommended to seek professional help. You may need to consult with medical specialists of different profiles.

Epidemiology

The exact statistics of burst vessels are unknown, however, periodically, nine out of ten inhabitants of the planet seek medical help with complaints of hemorrhages under the mucous membrane of the eye. If we also take into account those who do not seek help, then a vessel in the eye, apparently, has burst in almost every person, and in some - more than once. In itself, a visible rupture of a vessel is not dangerous for vision and resolves on its own, but frequent appearance of hematomas indicates increased fragility of the vascular network, which may be a manifestation of unfavorable changes in the body. [ 2 ]

Causes of a burst vessel in the eye

A fairly common cause of a hematoma on the visible part of the eye is trauma - a bruise, a blow, and not only directly to the organ of vision, 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 was that a blood vessel in the eye burst from a blow, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist. A bloody-red spot on the white of the eye can go away without treatment in a week or two, the symptoms of visual discomfort can be attributed to the consequences of trauma and partial retinal detachment can be overlooked, so it is better to be on the safe side. [ 3 ]

It often happens that a capillary in the eye bursts due to pressure, strain, for example, after carrying heavy objects, sports activities, visiting a bathhouse, or uncontrollable crying (more often in children). Hemorrhage under the conjunctiva can be the result of intense vomiting or strong coughing, sneezing in diseases of the respiratory organs. Even after sleeping in an unsuccessful position (pressure on the eye from a pillow, a hand under it), a cracked vessel in the eye can be found in the morning. Wearing contact lenses increases the risk of hemorrhages. Natural labor is associated with strain not only for the woman, but also for the child, which often leads to the fact that both main participants in the process have burst vessels in the eyes and even under the skin. [ 4 ]

Visual fatigue, insufficient tear fluid, or spasm of the eye muscles due to overexertion disrupt 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 spot on the sclera.

A one-time situation is not dangerous and does not require medical intervention. However, if the whites of the eyes turn red after any kind of exercise, you should pay attention to this. [ 5 ]

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

Redness of the sclera of the eyes may be an allergic reaction to the prescribed antibacterial drops. This is the most common side effect of local treatment of bacterial eye inflammation. For example, some patients have had blood vessels in their eyes burst after Tobrex. Any drops or ointment with an antibiotic can cause hyperemia and increased vascular permeability. This 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 imbalance disorders.

A sharp jump in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) can lead to hemorrhage from the vessels of the eye. People suffering from hypertension have a high probability of developing such serious complications as stroke, myocardial infarction, dissecting aortic aneurysm or its rupture.

Risk factors

Other risk factors for rupture of the vessel walls in the eye are diabetes mellitus; atherosclerosis; thrombocytopenia; Sjogren's syndrome; taking blood thinners; neoplasm in the eye; sensitivity to weather; stress; alcohol consumption; vitamin deficiency; lack of sleep; ophthalmological operations and other manipulations.

The pathogenesis of vascular rupture corresponds to the cause of such an event. The appearance of one or more red spots on the sclera of the eye does not mean the presence of ocular or systemic pathology, although the appearance is impressive. However, it is necessary to check the blood for sugar content, coagulability, monitor the dynamics of blood pressure and be 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 onto the sclera. [ 8 ]

The most harmless are one-time ruptures of the vascular walls, which occur when, under the influence of mechanical stress (tension, pressure), small eye vessels overflow with blood, their membrane cannot 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 it begins to dissolve. Before the complete disappearance of the hyposphagma, it acquires a yellowish-greenish tint, like an ordinary bruise, since that is what it is.

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

In hypertensive patients, the eyes, along with the brain and kidneys, are considered target organs that suffer first during attacks. Alcohol, stress, and weather sensitivity increase the risk of developing a hypertensive crisis and rupture of the vascular membranes in the eyes that cannot withstand the blood flow.

Diseases of the hematopoietic organs, deficiency of certain vitamins, intake of certain medications, in particular, those that prevent thrombus formation, lead to disruption 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 a burst vessel in the eye

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

The hematoma may 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 appears when blood clots occupy more than two-thirds of the visible part of the white of the eye. This lesion is classified as third degree.

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

Psychosomatics considers eye diseases as a consequence of the rejection of events that we see and participate in. The unwillingness to see everyday trifles causes irritation, larger problems – anger and aggression. Vindictiveness, jealousy, old grievances are layered on top of each other. The unwillingness to forgive results in glaucoma; the 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 way of life. Emotions, restrained for a long time, hidden aggression at some point break through the vascular membranes and a hematoma appears in the eye. [ 9 ]

A red eye and slight discomfort in the absence of other symptoms indicate that, regardless of the cause, there was simply blood effusion through the walls along the vessels. The redness will soon pass. You don't have to worry too much, especially if you can trace its connection with lifting or moving heavy objects, prolonged work in an upside down position, poor lighting when working with small parts, and similar activities.

But if the appearance of hyperemic sclera is accompanied by nosebleeds, traces of blood on the toothbrush, heavy prolonged (unscheduled) 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 have been prescribed antithrombotic drugs that can cause these effects, they cannot be canceled on your own without consulting a doctor.

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

The vessels on and under the lower eyelid can burst with the formation of a hematoma for the same reasons as in the eyes - tension, hypertension, problems with coagulation, microangiopathy in systemic diseases (diabetics and heart patients are especially prone). The appearance of blueness under the eyes can be provoked by excess weight, temperature changes, poorly chosen cosmetics, stress and tears.

Headache and burst blood vessel in the eye with glaucoma, hypertensive crisis, transient ischemic attack. Such symptoms may be harbingers of a stroke. They should not be ignored. High blood pressure should be reduced with medications. 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 if there is tremor of the limbs, suffocation, hyperhidrosis, dizziness, tachycardia, other discomfort in the heart area, weakness and unexplained anxiety.

Hyposphagma against the background of headache can also be observed in a hypotensive patient, since with any abnormal pressure readings in the arteries, their tone decreases and they become less elastic.

A ruptured vessel wall usually does not cause pain. Blinking can be painful due to a foreign body injury, xerophthalmia, conjunctival inflammation of allergic or infectious origin, which may be accompanied by a vascular rupture. Eyes become itchy and watery due to bacterial infection, and purulent discharge is possible. Allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by severe itching, and eyelids usually swell. [ 11 ]

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

If a blood vessel in your eye bursts in the morning, you may have overworked the night before; slept in an uncomfortable position with your face buried in a pillow; spent the evening in a steam room or in a smoky, dry room; overdid it with alcohol, or maybe you just noticed that it burst only in the morning. In all other cases, when the cause was pathological, the time of the blood vessel rupture is irrelevant.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage can occur on either side, less often on both. Localization is on the side of the greatest pressure, injury. For example, if a vessel inside the eye on the left bursts, then perhaps, for example, at the moment of pressure increase you supported your left cheek with your hand or jerked a heavy bag with your left hand. In case of contusion, labor pains, other loads associated with strong and uniform tension, vessels usually burst in both eyes.

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

The skin of the eyelids is penetrated by a network of vessels, it is very delicate and thin, so if a vessel on the eyelid bursts, a red mark on it is clearly visible. 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, vessels rupture simultaneously in the eye and on the eyelids. However, the most common cause of rupture of blood vessels in the skin of the eyelids is eye trauma. If visible symptoms occur immediately after the injury, then usually such a lesion does not pose a danger, and hematomas in the form of glasses, which form on the second or third day after the bruise, are a sign of a fracture of the base of the skull and require urgent medical care.

A situation where a blood vessel on the white of the eye has burst may not pose any danger. Usually there are no other symptoms, the eye does not hurt, does not itch, does not water, and you can remember that the appearance of a cosmetic defect was preceded by lack of sleep, overexertion, alcohol consumption and similar one-time events. In other cases, it is worth visiting a 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 ]

The localization of the 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 the specific cause of its appearance.

Hyphema (appearance of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye), firstly, is also visible visually. Depending on the amount of blood spilled and the cause, it can manifest itself only visually, or it can cause photophobia, burning, itching (in case of infection), pain in the eyes (blood clotting disorder), qualitative changes in visual acuity or its complete absence (the hematoma covers the iris and pupil).

Hyposphagma and hyphema are visible, hemorrhage appears on the outer part of the eyeball. The network of vessels of the fundus is much richer, and for the same reasons described above, it can rupture outside the field of vision. In such cases, they say that a retinal vessel has burst. This is a more dangerous condition than subconjunctival hematoma and hyphema, although the prognosis depends on its localization. Peripheral hemorrhage or blood effusion along the vessel can be asymptomatic and unnoticed. 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 torn retinal vessel gets into the vitreous body (hemophthalmos). 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 - dots, worms, a veil before the eyes, which sometimes has a reddish tint. In serious cases, visual function is usually severely impaired, and you should immediately consult a doctor.

When a blood vessel bursts in a child's eye, parents are naturally worried. The reasons for such an event in children are exactly the same as in adults. Injuries, eye strain (the child spends a lot of time in front of the monitor), coughing, crying and straining during constipation - it is necessary to analyze what preceded the appearance of a red spot 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 vessel rupture is unclear, it is necessary to examine the child. Avitaminosis, vegetative-vascular dystonia, renal hypertension, diabetes mellitus in children are less common, but pathologies cannot be ruled out. Especially in cases where vessels burst regularly.

Babies can also suffer from diseases that cause vascular fragility, however, much more often the reason for a blood vessel bursting in a baby's eye is loud crying, constipation. The coordination of movements in babies is not very good yet, so they can injure their eyes while playing with a rattle.

The body of the expectant mother experiences increased stress, including the blood vessels - the volume of circulating blood increases, some have increased blood pressure, sometimes - intraocular pressure. During pregnancy, previously dormant pathologies may manifest themselves, as well as gestational diabetes. Unhealthy nutrition of the expectant mother can lead to vitamin deficiency. Therefore, if a blood vessel in the eye bursts during pregnancy, this may be either a harmless accident or 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.

The stress of childbirth is a serious physical strain on the body of the mother and baby. Statistics show that about a fifth of women in labor have broken blood vessels in the eye during and after childbirth, sometimes the entire surface of the skin after childbirth is covered with small pinpoint hemorrhages. Moreover, such damage occurs in both the mother and the child. The reason for this is rapid labor, stimulation of labor, as well as the inability of the mother 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 blood vessel in the eye? The marker that allows you to assess the degree of danger of the event are the accompanying symptoms. If, apart from a red spot on the sclera or even the iris, nothing else bothers you, then most likely there is no danger to your vision. If there are other symptoms (pain, stinging, burning, lacrimation) indicating inflammation of the eye structures, other eye pathologies (decreased visual acuity), treatment is necessary, which will be prescribed by a doctor.

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

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

If a blood vessel in the eye bursts and does not go away, that is, a red spot remains in a certain place of the eye all the time, it means that blood 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 this condition, and, necessarily, together with a doctor and without postponing a visit to him for a long time.

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

Diagnostics of a burst vessel in the eye

After examining and questioning the patient, he will definitely be prescribed tests. A clinical blood test will give an idea of its composition. If the number of platelets decreases, and there is anemia, the patient is prescribed a coagulogram, which allows you to get an idea of blood clotting and the factors that disrupt it.

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

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

An ophthalmoscope examination provides an idea of the internal structures of the eye, a gonioscope - of the anterior chamber of the eye. Angiography of the eye vessels may be prescribed.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics in ophthalmology is carried out between hyphema, hyposphagma, hemophthalmos, and retinal hemorrhage.

Among the causes of hemorrhage, more serious ones are differentiated from a single overexertion – hemostasis disorders, angiopathy, hypertension, tumors. [ 16 ]

Blood vessels can rupture in the eyes due to hemorrhage in parts of the brain. If a blood vessel bursts in the head (stroke), the symptoms include 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. A person's health after a stroke deteriorates sharply. However, there are cases when the patient did not seek medical attention immediately. Much depends on the location of the hemorrhage. Therefore, a ruptured blood vessel in the eye in combination with another of the above symptoms should prompt you not to waste time. In this case, it plays a decisive role.

Prevention

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

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

Reduce your consumption of alcoholic beverages, nicotine, caffeine, and limit your visits to steam rooms and baths.

Wash your face only with cold water – it tones the blood vessels.

If possible, maintain an optimal level of humidity in the rooms where you spend most of your time.

Treat chronic and acute diseases promptly, take medications prescribed by your doctor.

Try to avoid stress and strong emotions. Psychotherapists recommend reviewing your life attitudes, not taking on too much, and organizing your life in accordance with your aspirations.

Forecast

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

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

Sometimes users ask the question: How to do it specifically to burst a blood vessel in the eye? It is not entirely clear why this is necessary. Damage to vision is still caused, however, in this case there is no talk of loss of ability to work. Neither a certificate of exemption from classes nor a sick leave is due to a small hemorrhage in the eye, and from a serious one - you can go blind. The game is not worth the candle.