Eye Diseases & Care

Blood in the eye: What to do, causes and remedies

The appearance of blood spots in the eye is usually caused by the rupture of small capillaries, between the so-called sclera (the white part of the eye) and the conjunctiva (the pink part surrounding the eye). These small capillaries may produce lesions that manifest as bloodstains.

blood in the eye

Logically, the first reaction to observe these spots is worry and asks ourselves what will be the cause of its appearance. Let’s look more closely, what is behind the appearance of blood in the eye and what are the best remedies for its treatment.

Causes

As we have pointed out, the appearance of blood spots in the eye is usually related to the rupture of small capillaries. The causes that can provoke these small injuries are different. Thus, it may be due to the sudden increase of pressure in the eye (for example, a violent attack of coughing or sneezing), intake of certain medications (anticoagulants, aspirin) and hypertension.

Other risk factors that increase the chances of broken capillaries are heavy lifting, rubbing eyes abruptly, severe vomiting, trauma, skull fracture, increased intracranial pressure, bleeding disorders, infection in the eyes and asphyxiation.

Finally, certain foods, such as ginger and cayenne pepper, taken in large quantities, can also cause broken capillaries.

Remedies

Break the capillaries of the eye, usually, does not involve any visual impairment and often refer in a spontaneously and naturally in a few weeks. That is, it does not require any specific treatment for the blood disappears. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor to rule out the appearance of these small spots of blood in the eye may be due to another eye disorder. For example, in the case of infection, the doctor may prescribe specific medications (eye drops or antibiotic ointment).

As a precaution, it is recommended to follow medical recommendations for the use of contact lenses (to prevent infection) and sunglasses (for protection from harmful rays). Also avoid rubbing the eyes forcefully, because it can cause injury.