Blood Spot on the White of the Eye: Is It Dangerous?
A bright red blood spot on the white of the eye is usually a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which means a tiny blood vessel under the clear surface of the eye has broken. It looks alarming, but it's usually harmless, doesn't affect your vision, and clears on its own in about one to two weeks.
People often find it in the mirror in the morning, or a coworker points it out, and they call us worried. Here's what's happening and when it's worth getting checked.
What is a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
The white of your eye is covered by a thin, clear layer called the conjunctiva. It has many tiny blood vessels. When one of them breaks, the blood gets trapped under that clear layer and spreads out into a flat, bright red patch.
Because the blood can't go anywhere, it stays visible until your body slowly absorbs it. That's why it can look dramatic even though the amount of blood is very small.
Typical features:
- a flat, bright red patch with sharp edges on the white of the eye
- no change in your vision
- little or no pain (maybe a mild scratchy feeling)
- no discharge
What causes a blood spot in the eye?
Often there's no clear cause at all. Common triggers include:
- coughing, sneezing, vomiting or straining
- heavy lifting
- rubbing your eyes hard
- a minor bump or poke to the eye, including from a contact lens
- blood thinners or aspirin, which make small vessels bleed more easily
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
How long does it take to go away?
Most clear within one to two weeks, and a large one can take a bit longer. As it heals, the color often changes from red to orange or yellow, like a bruise on the skin. That's normal.
There's no drop or treatment that makes it disappear faster. Artificial tears can help if your eye feels scratchy.
Is a blood spot in the eye ever dangerous?
Usually not. But a few situations need a closer look. Call us right away or go to the emergency room if:
- the red spot came with an injury, especially something that hit or flew into the eye
- your vision is blurry or changed
- the eye is painful, or you're sensitive to light
- you see blood pooling in the front of the eye, over the colored part (this is different and more serious)
- you have a severe headache, or the red eye came with nausea
Book a regular visit if:
- you get blood spots again and again
- you also bruise or bleed easily elsewhere
- you take blood thinners or have high blood pressure and this is new for you
- the spot isn't fading after two weeks
Repeat blood spots can be a clue to high blood pressure, a medication effect or, rarely, a bleeding problem. Your primary care doctor may want to check your blood pressure or blood work.
Is it the same as pink eye?
No. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) turns the whole white of the eye pink or red, with lots of small visible vessels. It often comes with itching, a gritty feeling, and watery or sticky discharge. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a solid red patch with clear edges and no discharge. Our post on red eye, pink eye and allergies explains how to tell common red eyes apart.
How we do it at Bolt Eye Group
At Bolt Eye Group, we check your vision and look at the eye under the slit lamp microscope to confirm it's a simple broken blood vessel and not an injury inside the eye. We check your eye pressure. If blood spots keep coming back, we look for clues on retinal imaging and talk with you about blood pressure, medicines and when to see your primary care doctor.
If you scratched your eye or got something in it, we can also remove foreign bodies from the surface of the eye. Our post on a scratched eye covers what to do.
We offer same-day visits for red, painful or injured eyes at all five offices, on the days each office is open: Canton, East Cobb/Marietta, Lawrenceville, Riverdale and Johnson City, TN.
Frequently asked questions
Does a blood spot in the eye hurt?
Usually not. You might feel a mild scratchy sensation, but real pain, light sensitivity or blurry vision are signs to get the eye checked the same day.
Can I wear contact lenses with a blood spot in my eye?
If the eye feels normal, contacts are usually fine. If a contact lens caused it, or the eye feels irritated, switch to glasses for a few days and let us take a look.
Can high blood pressure cause a blood spot in the eye?
Yes, it can be one cause, especially if spots keep happening. If you have high blood pressure, or the spot is new, it's a good reason to get your blood pressure checked.
Should I stop my blood thinner?
No. Never stop a prescribed blood thinner on your own. Tell the doctor who prescribed it, and they'll decide whether anything needs to change.
Will it affect my vision?
No. The blood sits on the surface of the white of the eye, not inside the eye, so it doesn't block your vision. If your vision is affected, call us right away.
Book an exam at your nearest Bolt Eye Group office
Not sure whether that red spot needs a look? Call or book a same-day visit at Bolt Eye Group in Canton, East Cobb/Marietta, Lawrenceville, Riverdale or Johnson City, TN. Find your office and book online.