What Can Cause a Red Spot on Your Eye?
You look in the mirror and notice a bright, red patch on the white of your eye. It looks dramatic—but often it’s not as scary as it seems. The most common cause is a subconjunctival hemorrhage: a tiny broken blood vessel under the clear surface (conjunctiva) of the eye. Here’s what you should know—and when to book a checkup at OptoDoc.
What Is a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage?
The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent layer with many delicate blood vessels. If one breaks, blood gets trapped beneath it, creating a sharply outlined red area. Vision is usually normal, and there’s typically no pain—maybe just a mild scratchy feeling.
Common Triggers
- Pressure spikes: Coughing, sneezing, vomiting, heavy lifting, or straining (constipation).
- Rubbing or minor trauma: Eye rubbing, a fingernail, makeup wands, or a small bump.
- Contact lenses: Overwear, poor fit, or inserting/removing roughly.
- Medications & supplements: Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin), some anti-inflammatories, high-dose omega-3s.
- Health factors: High blood pressure, diabetes, fragile vessels, or bleeding disorders.
- Dry eye & irritation: Inflamed, dry surfaces are easier to injure.
How Long Does It Last?
Most clear on their own within 1–2 weeks, changing from bright red to orange/yellow as they resolve—similar to a fading bruise. Artificial tears can improve comfort while you heal.
When to Seek Care Promptly
- Red spot after a significant eye injury or foreign body.
- Pain, light sensitivity, discharge, or blurred vision.
- Recurrent hemorrhages or very large areas of bleeding.
- Blood inside the colored part or pupil area, or a “curtain”/shadow in vision.
- If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, are on blood thinners, or have a bleeding disorder.
Home Care & Comfort Tips
- Use preservative-free artificial tears 3–4×/day for scratchiness.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes; use a clean, cool compress briefly if irritated.
- Resume contact lenses only when comfortable; consider a refit if this happens often.
- Keep blood pressure well managed; stay hydrated and treat constipation to avoid straining.
Could It Be Something Else?
Not every red patch is a simple hemorrhage. Infections, inflammation (scleritis/uveitis), or surface growths can also cause redness. A quick exam at OptoDoc can confirm the cause and rule out more serious conditions.
How OptoDoc Helps
- Same-day assessments for sudden red spots, with a thorough surface and pressure check.
- Contact lens evaluation to prevent recurrence (fit, material, replacement schedule).
- Blood pressure screening guidance and coordination with your family doctor when needed.
- Targeted treatment if dryness, allergy, or inflammation is contributing.
If you’ve noticed a new red patch—or they keep coming back—let’s take a look and put your mind at ease.
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