Understanding Why Your Eyes Might Feel Like They're Going to Bleed
Having bloodshot eyes or eyes that feel like they're bleeding can be scary. While usually harmless, certain medical conditions can cause this sensation. This article explores possible reasons for your eyes feeling this way and when to seek help.
Common Causes of Bloodshot Eyes
When the tiny blood vessels on the white surface of the eye (sclera) swell and become more visible, eyes appear red or bloodshot. The vessels may swell from:
- Eye strain
- Allergies
- Infection
- Dry eyes
- Contact lens overwear
These causes are typically benign. But bursting blood vessels in the eye can create the frightening sensation of bleeding.
What Does a Ruptured Blood Vessel Feel Like?
A ruptured ocular blood vessel usually follows a sudden rise in pressure inside the eye. You may first notice a blurred or obstructed area in your vision from the bleeding under the conjunctiva.
As blood accumulates, you might feel like there is something abrasive inside your eye. Discomfort may feel like burning, stinging, or grittiness. Your eye may water excessively as well.
Who Gets Ruptured Blood Vessels in the Eyes?
Anyone can experience a popped blood vessel in the eye. But certain factors that rapidly raise pressure inside the eye raise risks for some people more than others.
Contact Sports Athletes
Sports like boxing, rugby, wrestling, hockey, and football can lead to blows to the eye rupturing vessels. Coughing, nose blowing, and rubbing eyes can also burst blood vessels.
People with Chronic Eye Rubbing
Aggressive eye rubbing from allergies or irritation stresses the delicate eyelid tissue. Over time, rubbing makes blood vessels prone to rupturing.
Those with Vascular Conditions
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol face higher risks. These chronic diseases weaken blood vessels, making ocular capillaries more fragile.
Contact Lens Wearers
Wearing contacts too long or while sleeping spikes pressure inside eyes. Bacterial infections under lenses can cause blood vessel inflammation and bursting too.
Tips to Prevent Ruptured Blood Vessels
You can reduce chances of developing burst blood vessels in the eyes by:
Removing Contacts Properly
Always wash hands before handling lenses. Disinfect, clean, and store lenses as directed. Replace as scheduled. Give eyes a break by wearing glasses periodically.
Treating Eye Infections Quickly
See an optometrist urgently if you suspect bacterial or viral infection. Getting appropriate medication rapidly reduces risks of complications.
Wearing Protective Eyewear
Wear sports goggles, safety glasses, or other eye protection when participating in activities with eye injury risks.
Managing Chronic Health Issues
Work closely with your doctor to keep diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure under control to maintain vascular health.
Moisturizing Dry Eyes
Chronic dry eye stresses blood vessels over time. Use preservative-free drops as needed for lubrication and comfort.
What to Do for a Ruptured Blood Vessel in Eye
A ruptured blood vessel in the eye usually heals on its own within 1-2 weeks. To encourage healing:
Use Cold Compresses
Applying a clean, cool washcloth or cold pack to the closed eye provides relief from discomfort and reduces swelling.
Avoid Eye Rubbing
As difficult as it may be, try not to rub the affected eye so blood can clot and tissue can mend.
Apply Lubricating Drops
Over-the-counter artificial tear drops moisten eyes, prevent further abrasion, and support healing.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If eye pain and discomfort bother you, oral acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce symptoms.
Wear Sunglasses Outdoors
Protecting sensitive, healing eyes from sunlight and wind helps prevent further stress or injury.
When to See Your Doctor
Consult an ophthalmologist or optometrist urgently if you experience:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Increasing eye pain or light sensitivity
- Nausea, headache, or dizziness
- Eye trauma with bleeding in the colored part of the eye
These signs may indicate a serious eye issue needing prompt medical care such as glaucoma, uveitis, or retinal damage.
While having a ruptured blood vessel in the eye can be unsettling, following doctor's orders for healing should relieve frightening sensations of bleeding soon.
FAQs
Why do my eyes feel like they're bleeding?
Eyes may feel like they're bleeding when a small blood vessel bursts on the surface of the eye. Pressure inside the eye rises too high, rupturing a fragile capillary.
What causes blood vessels in the eyes to rupture?
Sudden increases in eye pressure from trauma, aggressive eye rubbing, infection, contact lens issues, or medical conditions like diabetes can cause vessels to burst.
How can you prevent burst blood vessels in the eyes?
Wear protective eye gear during sports, treat eye infections fast, follow doctor’s orders for managing vascular diseases, use proper contact lens hygiene, and moisturize chronically dry eyes.
How long does a ruptured eye blood vessel take to heal?
With proper care like cold compresses, lubricating drops, pain relievers, and avoiding eye rubbing, a ruptured capillary in the eye usually heals in 1-2 weeks.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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