A red spot on the eye is a relatively common finding that’s not usually a cause for concern.
In fact, asubconjunctival hemorrhagethe most common causetypically doesn’t require any treatment.
An eye health professional can diagnose the cause, and you may need treatment.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
It also will help you to make an informed decision about when to see a healthcare provider.
There are small blood vessels underneath theconjunctivain your eye.
This is the clear coating that covers thesclera, the white part of the eye.
When one of the vessels breaks, the blood is visible under the conjunctiva.
If a larger blood vessel breaks, it can look quite startling.
The blood might even spread out over the entire white part of the eye.
It can be unnerving to see a large red spot in your eye.
Most of the time, though, there is no pain or irritation.
Most people won’t have light sensitivity, either.
Light sensitivity is when bright light hurts your eyes.
This condition doesn’t usually require treatment.
The spot typically goes away on its own, usually within a week.
If the hemorrhage is large, it may take a little longer.
As it heals it may look similar to a yellowish bruise.
If the spot is large, your healthcare provider may recommend artificial tears or cold compresses.
This can help you feel comfortable if there is swelling.
Sometimes red spots in the eye can have more serious causes.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage is similar to a bruise on your skin.
In your eye, however, the blood-red color is easier to see.
Episcleritis is acute, which means it comes on suddenly.
Episcleritis usually looks much worse than it is.
Most cases of episcleritis go away on their own.
About one-third of cases, though, are linked to inflammatory conditions that affect other parts of the body.
Pinguecula
Apingueculais a common growth or thickening of the tissue that lines the outside of the eye.
It can appear raised and yellow in color.
It is thought to be brought on by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays or long-term irritation.
You may be unaware that you have a pinguecula.
You may notice it when it becomes inflamed.
This can happen if you spend a lot of time in the sun and wind.
When a pinguecula is inflamed, it is called pingueculitis.
It can become red and swollen and suddenly appear on your eye.
Some people also have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
Can COVID-19 Cause Red Spots on the Eyes?
Yes, it’s possible.
This condition is almost always congenital, which means you are born with it.
It usually appears a few weeks after birth.
Most of the time, it will disappear as a child grows.
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder.
People with sickle cell disease have chronic, long-lasting anemia, or a decrease in healthy red blood cells.
The condition also causes severe bouts of pain.
Sickle cell disease is resulting from abnormally shaped hemoglobin molecules.
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues.
The abnormal hemoglobin can cause the cells to rupture, forming a sickle shape.
What Causes a Red Spot on Your Eye After LASIK Surgery?
Red spots afterLASIK surgeryare likely due to subconjunctival hemorrhage.
When to See A Healthcare Provider
Do not ignore a red spot in your eye.
If it lasts for longer than a few days, see your eye care professional.
Acomprehensive eye examwill help your provider rule out serious conditions.
Summary
A red spot in the eye is usually harmless.
In most cases, it is brought on by a burst blood vessel.
These types of spots will usually go away without any treatment.
A red spot in the eye may have other causes, some of which are serious.
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