A red spot on your eye, often called a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when tiny blood vessels in your eye break and leak blood into the white part of your eye. These spots are usually harmless and resolve on their own within a few days.
The white part of your eye, known as the sclera, contains many small blood vessels. When one of these vessels breaks, blood leaks into the space between the sclera and the clear outer layer of the eye (conjunctiva). This creates a bright red spot that can look alarming but is generally not painful.
Red spots on the eye can result from different conditions:
| Type | Cause | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Subconjunctival Hemorrhage | Broken blood vessel | Bright red patch on the white of the eye |
| Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) | Viral or bacterial infection | Redness, swelling, discharge |
| Corneal Abrasion | Scratch on the cornea | Redness, pain, sensitivity to light |
Subconjunctival hemorrhages can occur anywhere on the white of the eye. Common causes include:
One non-obvious fact is that subconjunctival hemorrhages can sometimes occur spontaneously without any apparent cause. In rare cases, they may indicate an underlying health issue, such as a bleeding disorder or high blood pressure. If you frequently experience these spots without a clear reason, it's worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
Most red spots on the eye do not require treatment and will fade within a week or two. To speed up healing and prevent further irritation:
If the red spot is accompanied by pain, vision changes, or lasts longer than two weeks, see a doctor. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, such as an infection or corneal injury.
I once woke up with a bright red spot on my eye after a long flight. It was startling, but I remembered that subconjunctival hemorrhages are usually harmless. The spot faded within a few days, and I didn't need any treatment. However, if the redness had been painful or persistent, I would have sought medical advice.
While most red spots on the eye are harmless, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, subconjunctival hemorrhages are common and rarely cause complications. However, if you have concerns about your eye health, consult an eye care professional for a proper evaluation.