Nobody wants to wake up in the morning and discover that they have a burst blood vessel in their eye. This subconjunctival hemorrhage often appears on one of the worst days possible. For example, it might be when the individual has a date with someone new, their wedding day, or the day of a big job interview.
While this blood vessel isn’t pleasant to look at, it typically doesn’t hurt. The red patch seen on the white portion of the eye seems intimidating, but it usually resolves itself within a week or two. A person doesn’t have to be overly concerned. However, they often want more information about the burst blood vessel, what caused it, how to prevent future ones, and if any treatments will help it resolve more rapidly. This how to heal a broken blood vessel in your eye fast guide provides that information.
What Causes a Blood Vessel to Burst?
Many things can lead to a blood vessel in the eye bursting. Some causes are minor, while others are more severe. What could have led to this issue?
A sudden change in pressure can cause a blood vessel to burst. For example, a person may be lifting something heavy, they might sneeze, or they might cough. These situations can lead to a blown blood vessel.
People might not realize that eye strain can cause a blood vessel to burst. Reading for extended periods or staying on the computer too long can result in this problem. Furthermore, any eye trauma or injury could lead to this condition. People don’t realize they can rub their eyes too hard or accidentally poke them, which can burst a blood vessel.
A person with high blood pressure is at a higher risk of burst blood vessels. Diabetes can also affect this portion of the body. Individuals may be given aspirin or blood thinners to treat a medical condition they have. Any medications that dilate the blood vessels in the eye increase the risk of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Regardless of what caused the issue, the result is still the same. The ruptured blood vessel leads to a red spot in the sclera. This minor issue typically resolves on its own. However, people frequently ask how they can speed up the process.
Healing a Broken Blood Vessel Rapidly
A broken blood vessel in the eye isn’t attractive. Many people don’t want to wait seven to 14 days for the problem to resolve on its own. Specific techniques can be used to help the eye heal faster and with minimal pain.
Apply cold compresses to the eye during the first 24 hours after the blood vessel bursts. Doing so minimizes swelling and irritation by causing the blood vessels to constrict. The cold restricts bleeding while alleviating pain. Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and gently lay the cloth over the closed eyelid. Allow the cold compress to remain in place for 10 to 15 minutes. Never allow the ice to directly touch the skin, as doing so could make it extremely sensitive.
Wait 48 hours after the blood vessel bursts before applying warm compresses to the eye. The worm compress boosts blood circulation to the eye to aid in healing. Take a clean cloth and dip it in warm water. Lay this cloth over the eye for 15 minutes to help minimize the prominence of the red spot in the sclera.
Many people find that their eyes become dry and irritated when a blood vessel bursts. Artificial tears can give them relief from the dryness and irritation. The drops keep the eye moist to minimize discomfort. People who say their eyes feel scratchy or dry benefit from using these artificial tears. While the tears will not help the hemorrhage heal, the relief from the irritation is greatly appreciated.
The body needs water and sleep to heal naturally. Remain hydrated and get additional sleep to help the body repair the broken blood vessel. Furthermore, water and sleep reduce any eye strain that contributes to the problem while supporting the recovery process.
Men and women who are taking blood thinners such as aspirin or ibuprofen should speak to their doctor about minimizing or eliminating this medication while the eye heals. Blood thinners increase a person’s likelihood of bruising and bleeding. However, never stop taking the drug or reduce the dose without speaking to the doctor. Taking action without medical advice can lead to additional health issues.
Things to Avoid as the Eye Heals
When a blood vessel breaks in the eye, there are certain things a person should not do. Rubbing the eye can lead to additional irritation and increased bleeding. Minimize screen time to reduce the period needed to recover.
Individuals who wear contact lenses should use glasses until the eye heals. Contact lenses may irritate the eye and exacerbate the problem. Allow the eye to completely recover before resuming use of the contact lenses.
When to See a Doctor?
Most people find they don’t need to see a doctor for a ruptured blood vessel in the eye. However, if the bleeding is persistent or gets worse, it is time to seek medical attention. If there is excessive pain or the vision changes, seek treatment immediately to determine what is going on and how best to treat it. Men and women who regularly experience ruptured blood vessels should talk to their doctor. This condition could be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.
When a person first notices a ruptured blood vessel in the eye, they may panic. There is no reason to become overly concerned, as this is a common condition that typically resolves without medical help. Following the tips outlined above may help reduce the time needed to recover from this broken blood vessel.
However, if the problem recurs or other symptoms are concerning, it is best to visit my specialist. A person’s sight is priceless, so the eyes must be properly cared for. A medical professional can ensure that the ruptured blood vessel is nothing to worry about. If it appears there is an underlying condition, they can address that to help protect the vision and speed the recovery process.