Symptoms
Bleeding in the eye manifests as bright red and painless spots between the conjunctiva and sclera of the eyeball. They usually occur unilaterally and are not accompanied by visual disturbances or inflammation. Mild irritation may occur. The entire conjunctiva may also be hypophagic (hyposphagma).
Causes
Hemorrhage occurs as a result of damage to blood vessels in the conjunctiva. Possible causes and risk factors include:
- Physical exertion, increased pressure: coughing, vomiting, sneezing, pressing, Valsalva maneuvers, defecation, sports, lifting heavy weights.
- Childbirth, newborn
- Injuries, eye surgery
- Strong eye rubbing
- Eye diseases: Conjunctivitis, Dry eyes.
- High blood pressure
- Vascular diseases, metabolic diseases
- Anticoagulants, e.g. phenprocoumon
- Increased age (young age for trauma).
- Contact lenses
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made in medical treatment. This excludes other eye diseases such as conjunctivitis. If pain is present, the cause must be found out (e.g. foreign body!).
Treatment
Usually, no treatment is necessary. The literature mentions the application of warm compresses and the administration of tear substitutes when irritation occurs. The bleeding resolves on its own within a few weeks. However, it may be an expression of a deeper condition, such as an increased bleeding tendency or high blood pressure, which must be considered in the workup.
