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.

Book an Urgent-Concern Eye Visit at OptoDoc

OptoDoc • 8600 Franklin Ave, Unit 501, Fort McMurray, AB • (780) 714-0099 • myeyes@optodoc.ca

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