It started with the redness in the eyes.
Because it is unusual to see something red building up near the pupils, you’ll be shocked by it.
But the strange part of it is that it’s not itchy, not painful, and doesn’t affect your vision.
However, this condition may be harmless in most cases. It could be a subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Despite its scary name, the condition itself is far from it. Let’s identify what this condition is all about.
The Explanation Behind It
Within your eye is a clear yet thin layer called the conjunctiva. It is responsible for covering the white part of the eye, keeping it protected and moist.
Under the thin layers are the tiny blood vessels.
If one of these blood vessels breaks, the blood gets trapped and creates a bright red patch on the white of the eye.
When it happens, you will not feel anything. That’s why it shocks you when you see it in the mirror.
Why Does It Look Worse?
Changes in your eyes are quite noticeable. Especially if there’s red building up on the white surface of the eyes.
Red alone is a stronger color than white. It’s easy to spot the reddish drop when it spreads out in the eye,
It looks frightening because the blood from a broken vessel is piling up, leaving an impression like an injury.
That’s the reason why doctors understand your fright when you see it for the first time.
What Causes the Condition to Happen?
Subconjunctival hemorrhages can happen even if you haven’t experienced any preceding injury.
Here are some of the common causes of this condition:
- Eye Rubbing – Eye rubbing can cause tiny vessels to break.
- Irritation – A simple scratch or accidental eye poking can break a tiny vessel.
- High Blood Pressure – Eye bleeds are often the result of hypertension.
- Strong Coughing or Sneezing – A strong sneezing or coughing raises the pressure of blood vessels in your eyes and face.
- Medications – Medicines like anticoagulants and aspirin can cause thinning in your blood.
- Heavy Lifting or Straining – Activities that can increase the body pressure can trigger a small bleed.
Does It Heal or Need Treatment?
Don’t worry much if you have experience with subconjunctival hemorrhages. Your eyes can heal on itself.
The trapped blood can be slowly broken down and absorbed by your body.
As your eyes heal slowly, the redness will slightly reduce.
In most cases, your eyes can heal within a week or two.
From experiencing such a condition to its healing process, you will not feel any pain or blurredness.
It may look weird in the mirror, but your vision is perfectly fine.
No treatment is needed in most cases. However, you need to make sure that your affected eye is given moisture if it feels irritated or dry.
If your eyes are still healing, avoid rubbing the eye, never use eye drops without the doctor’s consent, and avoid frequently touching the eye.
When Does Your Eye Need Medical Treatment?
There are cases when their eyes didn’t heal on their own for a week or two. Your eye needs medical treatment if:
- It is caused by a serious eye injury.
- Experiencing eye pain.
- Vision becomes blurred or altered.
- Frequently bleeding.
- Redness is still present.
Helpful Habits to Promote Strong Eye Health
Taking care of your eyes can help you experience the beauty of life.
Doctors prescribed the following to protect your eyes from suffering not just from subconjunctival hemorrhage, but to other eye-related conditions.
Here are essential yet helpful habits that support stronger eye health:
- Manage your blood pressure level.
- Wear protective eyewear.
- Remove your contact lenses carefully.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Perform the screen breaks.
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Eyes are the window of your soul, and also the most critical yet sensitive organ in the world.
Losing an eye is a big loss.
In most cases, having a subconjunctival hemorrhage feels scary. But what matters is if it can heal itself.
As long as it is painless, clear, and not injured, your eyes are in their optimal condition.
Despite its scary appearance on a person’s eyes, how we deal with our eye health truly matters.
Take care of your eyes and never compromise it to what makes them at risk.