“Blood in the eyes”: understand what subconjunctival hemorrhage is
The expression “blood in the eyes” is not just a way of describing feelings of hunger or fury. In the medical and ophthalmological area, this is also a popular expression for subconjunctival hemorrhage, a type of ocular bleeding that can be caused by different factors.
Stroke occurs when blood vessels rupture in the conjunctiva, a thin layer that lines the inside of the sclera and eyelids. The sclera, which is the name of the white part of the eye, is made up of several very fragile blood vessels. When a spontaneous tear or trauma occurs, blood is quickly seen on the outside.
In many cases, however, the stain does not affect visual acuity. Therefore, most conditions are harmless and develop without complications. But it is important to know how to diagnose: it may be a common hemorrhage or there is another type of associated disease. In this article, you will find out everything you need about the famous “blood in the eyes”!
What are the main symptoms?
This is an external hemorrhage, which is characterized by a bright red spot in the white part of the eye. This stain can have different shapes and sizes, causing burning and irritation. In more serious cases, it is common for the patient to experience sensitivity to light (photophobia), blurred vision, discharge in the eyes and even fever.
Eye pain can also be felt in the evolution of the condition. Often, the patient may have a systemic or underlying disease, which increases the chances of an eye stroke. Therefore, the appearance of blood in the eyes can be an indication for the diagnosis of cases of hypertension, diabetes, poor blood clotting and lack of vitamin K.
What can cause a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
The rupture of these blood vessels occurs for different reasons, so their causes are not always known. Bleeding can appear after eye surgery, injury, infection, inflammation, trauma to the eye, or during the use of medications that thin the blood.
In the possibility of more serious cases, it may be due to adjacent diseases. But, usually, the problem is associated with excessive efforts made in everyday life. Check out which ones can lead to subconjunctival hemorrhage:
- Allergies;
- Intense physical activity;
- Scratching your eyes a lot;
- Strong sneezing;
- Excessive force to evacuate;
- Weight lifting;
- Cough;
- Vomit too much.
Is there a risk of visual loss?
Generally not. Despite the inconvenience and causing an unpleasant look, the rupture of blood vessels does not affect vision and does not cause blindness. However, when the appearance of subconjunctival hemorrhage becomes frequent or the stain is very extensive, the vision can affect the visual quality.
What are the main forms of treatment?
In common and spontaneous cases, the stain naturally disappears in about 14 days. But if necessary, the treatment is considered fast. If the spot is very extensive and interferes with vision, the doctor will prescribe eye drops and corticoids.
During treatment, physical efforts and touches close to the eye should be avoided. As the causes of stroke can vary, the treatment will depend a lot on the patient’s condition.
How to avoid subconjunctival hemorrhage?
To prevent yourself, the first step is to know how your eye health is doing. If she is fragile, or if bleeding is common, avoid excess medication, exertion, injuries and foods that make your blood thinner.
But, for greater safety, the right thing is to do an ophthalmological evaluation periodically. Don’t run the risk of not diagnosing a possible illness! Get in touch with us and schedule your appointment now.
