Burst blood vessel in the eye: causes and which doctor to see

For burst blood vessel in the eye you can first see: Ophthalmology. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

Common symptoms: a clearly outlined, bright red patch on the white of the eye; painless; sometimes slight stinging; no change in vision; it shrinks over days, turning yellowish. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.

The most common causes: severe coughing, sneezing, vomiting or straining; rubbing the eye and putting in or taking out contact lenses; a blow to the eye; high blood pressure; blood-thinning medicines; rarely, clotting disorders. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

The blood is usually absorbed on its own within 7–14 days, changing colour like a bruise. No treatment is needed; if the eye feels dry, the moisturising drops your doctor recommends bring relief.

It is more common in: older people; people with high blood pressure and diabetes; people taking blood thinners; contact lens wearers.

The diagnosis is made by eye examination. If there was a blow, injury inside the eye is looked for. If it keeps recurring, blood pressure and clotting tests may be requested.

Do not rub your eyes. Check your blood pressure regularly. If you are constipated, eat in a way that reduces straining.

If there is no pain or loss of vision, it is usually harmless and goes away on its own.

An ophthalmologist deals with it. If it keeps coming back, an internal medicine assessment for blood pressure and clotting may also be done.

High blood pressure is one of the risk factors; especially with recurring bleeds, having your blood pressure checked is recommended.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Did it happen after a blow to the eye, and has your vision dropped?” “Is there eye pain, light sensitivity or a vision problem?” “Do you also have unexplained bruises and bleeding elsewhere on your body?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: the same day if it happened after a blow; it keeps coming back; you take blood thinners and also have other bleeding; it has not been absorbed in two weeks.