Red spots on the eyes occur when the tiny blood vessels in the eyes burst or leak.
It can be a concerning and uncomfortable problem for many individuals.
The spots are mostly painless and harmless, but some individuals may experience a little swelling in the affected eye.
Let us explore more about the causes of red eye spots and discuss the available treatment options.
What causes red spots in the eyes
The medical term for red spots on the eyes is Subconjunctival Hemorrhage.
Red spots in the eye are a common problem and affect people of all ages, as the tiny blood vessels in the eyes are delicate and can burst easily.
However, the spots can be a serious problem if they occur with symptoms like eye pain, irritation, red itchy eyes, and more.
The causes of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage include an increase in blood pressure, eye injury, blood thinning medication, and more.
Let us explore the causes in detail.
An increase in blood pressure
Source: 4FR_from_Getty_ImagesA short-term increase in blood pressure can be a common cause of red spots in the eyes for many individuals.
Elevated blood pressure can strain the delicate blood vessels in one’s eyes and lead to their breakage.
The common factors that can increase one’s ocular blood pressure include:
- Sneezing
- Eye strain
- Coughing
- Eye infections
- Vomiting
- Rubbing the eye too hard
- Heavy lifting
However, one should not confuse a short-term increase in blood pressure with Hypertension, as the two conditions are different.
A sudden or short-term increase in blood pressure is a temporary problem and a common cause of red eye spots.
On the other hand, Hypertension is when one’s blood pressure level is constantly high and is a rare cause of red eye spots.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a medical condition in which high blood sugar levels (Diabetes) may lead to damaged blood vessels in the retina.
However, the eye condition can be a rare and indirect cause of red spots on the eyes.
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels and increase their risk of breakage.
A diabetic patient should get regular eye exams for early detection of Diabetic Retinopathy and related ocular issues.
Blood thinners
Blood thinning medications can reduce the blood’s ability to clot and easily rupture the small blood vessels in the eyes.
Therefore, the increase in the weakness of blood vessels can lead to red spots on the eye.
The different examples of blood thinners include Aspirin, Warfarin, and more.
Consult a doctor for proper awareness of the side effects of blood thinners.
Eye injury and contact lenses
Eye injuries like being hit or bumped can lead to broken blood vessels and red spots on the eye.
Therefore, one should use protective eyewear for work or sports with a high eye injury risk.
Also, contact lens users should maintain proper lens hygiene, as unhygienic contact lenses can cause irritation.
Consult a doctor for proper eye care tips.
Treatment for red spots in the eyes
Source: stefanamer_from_Getty_ImagesRed spots on the eyes mostly resolve on their own and do not require treatment.
However, the healing time depends on the size and severity of the eye bump.
The treatment options for red eye spots include artificial tears, antibiotic eye drops, warm compress, and more.
Artificial tears can help reduce eye irritation and discomfort associated with a red spot on the eye.
However, the doctor may also prescribe antibiotic eye drops if a bacterial infection causes the eye spots.
One can also use a warm compress and avoid irritants to help prevent further discomfort and promote healing.
Consult a doctor before starting any medicine or treatment plan.
However, if the eye spots are due to an underlying medical condition, then the doctor may recommend a treatment plan according to the condition.
Key takeaways
A red spot on the eyes is a painless and harmless condition that often resolves on its own.
However, it can be an uncomfortable problem for many individuals and affect their appearance.
Red spots on the eyes (Subconjunctival Hemorrhage) occur when the tiny blood vessels in the eyes burst or leak.
The causes of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage include an increase in blood pressure, eye injury, blood thinning medication, and more.
Fortunately, treatment options like artificial tears, antibiotic eye drops, warm compresses, and more can help with the problem of red eye spots.
Consult an eye expert for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a red spot in the eye?
A red spot in the eye, known as a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage, is normally caused by the breakage of tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva. The other causes include increased blood pressure, eye injury, blood thinning medication, and more.
How do you treat a blood spot in your eye?
In most cases, the red spots on the eyes resolve on their own and do not require treatment. However, the treatment options for red eye spots include artificial tears, antibiotic eye drops, warm compresses, and more. Consult an eye doctor before starting any treatment.
Can Subconjunctival Hemorrhage lead to Red Eye?
Yes, a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage can be a common cause of Red Eye. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage can cause the breakage of small blood vessels and result in Red Eye symptoms like irritation, eye discharge, and more.
Will a red spot on the eye go away?
Yes, a red spot on the eye generally goes away on its own. However, the eye may take one to two weeks to return to its normal appearance.
Can I use eye makeup with red spots in the eyes?
No, one should not use eye makeup with red spots on the eyes, as it may increase the risk of irritation. One should wait until the treatment is over before putting on eye makeup to keep the eye spots from returning.
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