What causes a blood clot in the eye. How to recognize the symptoms of a subconjunctival hemorrhage. When to seek medical attention for a red spot on the eye. What are the treatment options for eye blood clots. How to prevent subconjunctival hemorrhages.

Understanding Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: The Common Cause of Eye Blood Clots

A blood clot in the eye, medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, is a condition that often appears more alarming than it actually is. This phenomenon occurs when blood leaks between the layers of the eye, typically resulting in bright red patches over the white part of the eye (sclera). While it may look concerning, it’s usually not a medical emergency and rarely causes pain or vision problems.

The conjunctiva, a transparent membrane covering the eye’s surface, contains tiny blood vessels that can rupture due to various reasons. When this happens, blood collects under the conjunctiva, creating the appearance of a red spot or blood clot in the eye.

How does a subconjunctival hemorrhage differ from other eye conditions?

Unlike other eye conditions that may cause redness or irritation, a subconjunctival hemorrhage:

• Is typically painless
• Does not affect vision
• Doesn’t cause swelling or discharge
• Often appears suddenly and without warning
• May change color over time as it heals

Common Causes of Blood Clots in the Eye

Subconjunctival hemorrhages can occur due to various factors, some of which are everyday activities or minor incidents. The most common causes include:

1. Sudden increases in blood pressure (e.g., from sneezing, coughing, or vomiting)
2. Excessive physical strain or heavy lifting
3. Minor eye trauma or injury
4. Rubbing the eyes too forcefully
5. Allergic reactions or eye irritation
6. Use of contact lenses
7. Conjunctivochalasis (CCH) – a condition where the conjunctiva loosens with age

Can certain medical conditions increase the risk of eye blood clots?

Yes, some medical conditions can increase the likelihood of developing subconjunctival hemorrhages. These include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes, particularly diabetic retinopathy
• Blood clotting disorders
• Use of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin or Coumadin)

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

The primary symptom of a subconjunctival hemorrhage is the appearance of a bright red patch on the white of the eye. This patch may be small or cover a large portion of the sclera. Other characteristics include:

• Sudden onset without pain or discomfort
• No change in vision quality
• Absence of discharge or crusting
• Gradual color change from red to orange or yellow as it heals

How long does a subconjunctival hemorrhage typically last?

The duration of a subconjunctival hemorrhage can vary depending on its size and the individual’s healing process. Generally, it may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the blood to be fully reabsorbed and the eye to return to its normal appearance.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Blood Clots

While most subconjunctival hemorrhages resolve on their own without complications, there are instances where medical attention is necessary. Seek professional help if you experience:

• Pain in the affected eye
• Changes in vision or visual disturbances
• Headache accompanying the eye blood clot
• Discharge from the eye
• Bleeding in both eyes simultaneously
• Multiple subconjunctival hemorrhages occurring frequently
• Bruising around the eye
• Bleeding gums or easy bruising elsewhere on the body

Could frequent subconjunctival hemorrhages indicate a more serious condition?

Yes, recurrent or multiple subconjunctival hemorrhages might be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as conjunctival amyloidosis. This rare eye disorder causes pink or yellow lesions on the eye or inside the eyelid due to protein accumulation. While typically confined to the eye, it’s essential to consult an eye specialist for proper diagnosis and management.

Treatment Options for Eye Blood Clots

In most cases, subconjunctival hemorrhages don’t require specific treatment and will heal on their own. However, there are several measures you can take to alleviate discomfort and promote healing:

1. Use artificial tears to relieve irritation or dryness
2. Apply a warm compress to reduce irritation
3. Use a cold compress to minimize swelling
4. Avoid wearing contact lenses until the eye has healed
5. Refrain from rubbing the affected eye

Are there any medications prescribed for subconjunctival hemorrhages?

Generally, medications are not necessary for treating subconjunctival hemorrhages. However, if the red spot is caused by a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops. It’s important to note that over-the-counter eye drops or ointments are typically not recommended unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.

Preventing Subconjunctival Hemorrhages

While it’s not always possible to prevent blood spots on the eye, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

• Manage underlying health conditions like hypertension and diabetes
• Practice proper eye hygiene, especially when using contact lenses
• Avoid rubbing your eyes excessively
• Use protective eyewear during activities that pose a risk of eye injury
• Be cautious when using blood-thinning medications and consult your doctor if you experience frequent eye bleeding

Can lifestyle changes help prevent subconjunctival hemorrhages?

Yes, certain lifestyle modifications may help reduce the occurrence of eye blood clots:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and K to support blood vessel health
• Stay hydrated to prevent eye dryness and irritation
• Get regular eye check-ups, especially if you have underlying health conditions
• Practice stress-reduction techniques to help manage blood pressure
• Quit smoking, as it can contribute to eye irritation and weaken blood vessels

Understanding the Connection Between Eye Blood Clots and Systemic Health

While subconjunctival hemorrhages are often benign, they can sometimes be indicators of underlying health issues. Understanding this connection can help in early detection and management of potential systemic problems.

How can eye blood clots be linked to cardiovascular health?

Subconjunctival hemorrhages can sometimes be associated with cardiovascular issues, particularly hypertension. High blood pressure can cause small blood vessels in the eye to burst more easily. Regular eye exams may help detect signs of hypertension or other cardiovascular problems before they become more serious.

What is the relationship between diabetes and eye blood clots?

People with diabetes, especially those with diabetic retinopathy, may be more prone to subconjunctival hemorrhages. Diabetic retinopathy can weaken blood vessels in the eye, making them more susceptible to rupture. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

• Floaters in the field of vision
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Impaired color perception
• Reduced night vision

Managing blood sugar levels and regular eye check-ups are crucial for diabetics to prevent eye complications.

The Role of Eye Care in Overall Health Maintenance

Regular eye examinations play a vital role in maintaining not just ocular health, but overall well-being. Eye care professionals can often detect early signs of systemic diseases during routine eye exams.

How often should one have comprehensive eye exams?

The frequency of eye exams depends on various factors including age, overall health, and risk factors for eye diseases. Generally:

• Adults under 40 with no risk factors: Every 2-4 years
• Adults 40-64: Every 2-4 years
• Adults 65 and older: Annually
• People with risk factors (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure): As recommended by their eye care professional, often annually or more frequently

Remember, these are general guidelines. Your eye care professional can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and health status.

Emerging Research and Future Perspectives on Eye Blood Clots

As medical science advances, our understanding of subconjunctival hemorrhages and related conditions continues to evolve. Recent research has shed light on potential new treatments and preventive measures for eye blood clots.

What new treatments are being explored for subconjunctival hemorrhages?

While current treatments for subconjunctival hemorrhages are primarily supportive, researchers are investigating several promising avenues:

• Topical agents to accelerate blood reabsorption
• Novel drug delivery systems for targeted therapy
• Regenerative medicine approaches to strengthen blood vessel walls
• Advanced imaging techniques for early detection of vessel fragility

These potential treatments aim to speed up healing time and reduce the frequency of recurrence in susceptible individuals.

How might artificial intelligence impact the diagnosis and management of eye blood clots?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize many aspects of healthcare, including ophthalmology. In the context of subconjunctival hemorrhages and other eye conditions, AI could potentially:

• Enhance early detection through automated image analysis
• Improve risk assessment by integrating multiple health data points
• Assist in personalized treatment planning
• Enable remote monitoring and follow-up through telemedicine platforms

While these applications are still in development, they hold promise for improving patient care and outcomes in the future.

As research progresses, it’s crucial for individuals to stay informed about their eye health and consult with healthcare professionals for the most up-to-date advice and treatment options. Regular eye check-ups remain a cornerstone of maintaining ocular and overall health, helping to detect and address issues like subconjunctival hemorrhages early on.

Red spot on eye: Causes and treatment

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A red spot on the eye may look worrisome, but it is rarely a medical emergency. Usually, a red spot on the eye occurs when blood collects under the conjunctiva as a result of a subconjunctival hemorrhage.

A red spot on the eye, or subconjunctival hemorrhage, usually occurs when blood leaks between layers of the eye. It typically causes bright red patches over the white part of the eye.

These blood spots on the eye are often the result of increased blood pressure. In some cases, subconjunctival hemorrhages can appear without any identifiable cause.

In this article, learn what causes blood spots on the eyes and how to treat them.

The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that covers the surface of the eye. The conjunctiva contains tiny blood vessels that can break or leak after sudden increases in pressure.

A person might not realize they have a subconjunctival hemorrhage until they look in a mirror. It does not cause other symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or vision loss.

Common causes of a red or blood spot on the eye include:

• sneezing
• coughing
• vomiting
• excess physical strain
• injury to the eye (trauma)
• irritation or allergic reactions
• rubbing the eye too hard
• infections
• straining to go to the bathroom
• contact lens use
• conjunctivalchalasis (CCH)

Rare causes of subconjunctival hemorrhages include:

• high blood pressure
• taking a blood thinner such as aspirin or Coumadin
• medical disorders that cause bleeding
• diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy

Having diabetes is a risk factor for a subconjunctival hemorrhage. However, not everyone with diabetes develops diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

• floaters
• blurred vision
• reduced night vision
• seeing colors that appear faded

People who have diabetes can reduce their risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by managing their blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

If a person is experiencing diabetic retinopathy, they may wish to consult a doctor about ways to manage underlying diabetes.

Subconjunctival hemorrhages do not usually require treatment. The healing time can vary from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the spot.

People can use artificial tears to relieve irritation or dryness. Artificial tears are available in drugstores and pharmacies and online.

A doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops if the red spot is the result of a bacterial infection.

People should not be alarmed if the red spot changes colors from red to yellow or orange. This is a sign that the hemorrhage is healing. Like a bruise, it may slowly fade over time.

Subconjunctival hemorrhages usually heal over time without medical treatment.

However, people can try these home remedies to relieve uncomfortable symptoms and promote healing:

• applying a warm compress to reduce irritation
• applying a cold compress to reduce swelling
• choosing not to wear contact lenses while the eye heals
• using artificial tears to soothe itching and reduce dryness
• avoiding rubbing the eyes

People should seek medical attention if an injury caused the blood in the eyeball or if they have a history of high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder.

People should also seek medical attention if they experience the following symptoms in addition to the red spot:

• pain in the affected eye
• a headache
• discharge from the eye
• bleeding in both eyes
• changes in vision
• bleeding gums
• bruising around the eye
• multiple subconjunctival hemorrhages

Having multiple subconjunctival hemorrhages might indicate a different underlying medical condition, such as conjunctival amyloidosis.

Conjunctival amyloidosis is a rare eye disorder that causes pink or yellow lesions on the eye or inside the eyelid. It occurs when protein accumulates inside organs and other tissues.

Conjunctival amyloidosis typically stays within the eye and does not involve other organs or tissues.

It is not always possible to prevent blood spots on the white of the eye. Some causes of subconjunctival hemorrhage are largely unavoidable.

However, a person can take steps to reduce the risk of getting blood on the white of the eye. These include:

• Practicing diabetes care: People with any type of diabetes (type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes) are at increased risk of developing these blood spots in the eye. A person with diabetes can lower their risk by managing their condition, including by keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
• Managing blood pressure: High blood pressure can increase a person’s risk of broken blood vessels in the eye. A person should follow their doctor’s instructions for medication and lifestyle changes to keep blood pressure in a healthy range.
• Wearing protective eyewear: People who engage in sports or activities that may involve flying objects or debris should wear protective glasses or headgear to protect their eyes from injury or irritation.
• Asking about a bleeding disorder: If the blood spots on the eye are occurring regularly, a person should talk with their doctor about the possibility of a bleeding disorder. Such disorders could increase the risk of blood leaking from the capillaries in the eye.
• Rubbing the eye gently: Rubbing the eyes too hard can cause the blood vessels in the eye to break. If a person needs to rub their eyes, they should do so with as little pressure as possible. A person can consider using eye drops to flush the eye instead.

Although it may look alarming, a blood spot on the eye is likely to be a subconjunctival hemorrhage. Subconjunctival hemorrhages typically do not require medical treatment and will not affect a person’s vision.

People should see a doctor if they experience pain, impaired vision, or discharge coming from the eye that has the red spot.

Diabetic retinopathy may also cause a red spot on the eye. People who have diabetes can consult a doctor if they notice any changes in their vision, such as floaters or blurring.

Retinal artery occlusion Information | Mount Sinai

Central retinal artery occlusion; CRAO; Branch retinal artery occlusion; BRAO; Vision loss – retinal artery occlusion; Blurry vision – retinal artery occlusion

Retinal artery occlusion is a blockage in one of the small arteries that carry blood to the retina. The retina is a layer of tissue in the back of the eye that is able to sense light.

The retina is the internal layer of the eye that receives and transmits focused images. The retina is normally red due to its rich blood supply.

Causes

Retinal arteries may become blocked when a blood clot or fat deposits get stuck in the arteries. These blockages are more likely if there is hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) in the eye.

Clots may travel from other parts of the body and block an artery in the retina. The most common sources of clots are the heart and carotid artery in the neck.

Most blockages occur in people with conditions such as:

• Carotid artery disease, in which the two large blood vessels in the neck become narrowed or blocked
• Diabetes
• Heart rhythm problem (atrial fibrillation)
• Heart valve problem
• High levels of fat in the blood (hyperlipidemia)
• High blood pressure
• Intravenous drug abuse
• Temporal arteritis (damage to arteries due to an immune response)

If a branch of the retinal artery is blocked, part of the retina will not receive enough blood and oxygen. If this happens, you may lose part of your vision.

Symptoms

Sudden blurring or loss of vision may occur in:

• All of one eye (central retinal artery occlusion or CRAO)
• Part of one eye (branch retinal artery occlusion or BRAO)

The retinal artery occlusion may last for only a few seconds or minutes, or it may be permanent.

A blood clot in the eye may be a warning sign of clots elsewhere. A clot in the brain may cause a stroke.

Exams and Tests

Tests to evaluate the retina may include:

• Examination of the retina after dilating the pupil

• Fluorescein angiography

• Intraocular pressure

• Pupil reflex response

• Refraction

• Retinal photography

• Slit lamp examination

• Testing of side vision (visual field examination)

• Visual acuity

General tests should include:

• Blood pressure
• Blood tests, including cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Physical examination

Tests to identify the source of a clot from another part of the body:

• Echocardiogram

• Electrocardiogram

• Heart monitor for abnormal heart rhythm

• Duplex Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries

Treatment

There is no proven treatment for vision loss that involves the whole eye, unless it is caused by another illness that can be treated.

Several treatments may be tried. To be helpful, these treatments must be given within 2 to 4 hours after symptoms begin. However, the benefit of these treatments has never been proven, and they are rarely used.

• Breathing in (inhaling) a carbon dioxide-oxygen mixture. This treatment causes the arteries of the retina to widen (dilate).
• Massage of the eye.
• Removal of fluid from within the eye. The doctor uses a needle to drain a small amount of fluid from the front of the eye. This causes a sudden drop in eye pressure, which can sometimes cause the clot to move into a smaller branch artery where it will cause less damage.
• The clot-busting drug, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).

The health care provider should look for the cause of the blockage. Blockages may be signs of a life-threatening medical problem.

Outlook (Prognosis)

People with blockages of the retinal artery may not get their vision back.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

• Glaucoma (CRAO only)
• Partial or complete loss of vision in the affected eye
• Stroke (due to the same factors that contribute to retinal artery occlusion, not due to the occlusion itself)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have sudden blurring or vision loss.

Prevention

Measures used to prevent other blood vessel (vascular) diseases, such as coronary artery disease, may decrease the risk for retinal artery occlusion. These include:

• Eating a low-fat diet
• Exercising
• Stopping smoking
• Losing weight if you are overweight

Sometimes, blood thinners may be used to prevent the artery from becoming blocked again. Aspirin or other anti-clotting drugs are used if the problem is in the carotid arteries. Warfarin or other more potent blood thinners are used if the problem is in the heart.

Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 395.

Crouch ER, Crouch ER, Grant TR. Ophthalmology. In: Rakel RE, Rakel DP, eds. Textbook of Family Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 17.

Duker JS, Duker JS. Retinal arterial obstruction. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 6.19.

Mac Grory B, Schrag M, Biousse V, et al. American Heart Association Stroke Council; Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology; Council on Hypertension; and Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease. Management of central retinal artery occlusion: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Stroke. 2021;52(6):e309. PMID: 33677974  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33677974/.

Patel PS, Sadda SR. Retinal artery occlusion. In: Schachat AP, Sadda SR, Hinton DR, Wilkinson CP, Wiedemann P, eds. Ryan’s Retina. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 54.

Salmon JF. Retinal vascular disease. In: Salmon JF, ed. Kanski’s Clinical Ophthalmology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 13.

Last reviewed on: 2/17/2022

Reviewed by: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Thrombosis of the central vein of the retina treatment

We all heard about such vascular accidents as a heart attack or stroke, but few people know about an equally dangerous vascular eye disease – retinal thrombosis . This is an acute circulatory disorder of the retina: a blood clot blocks the blood flow in the vessels of the retina, which can lead to loss of vision. According to statistics, thrombosis of the central retinal vein is in second place after diabetic retinopathy among the causes of blindness from vascular diseases.

This disease is also dangerous because it can provoke the development of other serious eye diseases: neovascular glaucoma, retinal detachment, hemorrhage, vitreous opacity, etc.

Eye thrombosis symptoms

The main symptom is a painless sudden loss of vision. Shortly before this, a person may feel blurred vision, narrowing of the visual fields, see dark spots in front of the eyes, see objects distorted. Often, CVD thrombosis is diagnosed by chance during a physical examination.

Causes of retinal vein thrombosis

Ophthalmologists note that earlier retinal artery thrombosis was the lot of older people. Today, this disease is diagnosed in young people. The reasons for this are stress, genetic predisposition, and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Retinal vein thrombosis is caused by:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Arterial hypertension
• Vascular atherosclerosis
• Glaucoma
• Blood clotting problems
• Cardiovascular disease

It is also believed that smoking and being overweight also contribute to the development of this vascular eye disease.

Central retinal vein thrombosis treatment in our center

The first thing that every patient of our center undergoes after consultation is a high-quality and comprehensive vision diagnostics. To detect thrombosis of the vessels of the eye, the following is performed:

• visometry – visual acuity is measured
• perimetry – visual field examination
• ophthalmoscopy – examination of the fundus.

Also available in our eye microsurgery center is optical coherence tomography, the “gold standard” for diagnosing vascular eye diseases. This examination makes it possible to scan the layers of the retina and optic nerve in real time and obtain an ultra-accurate image of the internal structures of the eye. And all this is fast and comfortable for the patient – contactless, without pupil dilation.

Based on the results of the diagnosis, the treatment of CVD thrombosis is selected. The goal of therapy is to dissolve a blood clot in the eye, reduce retinal edema, and improve its blood supply. And to achieve the maximum result, you need to start treatment as soon as possible.

How is retinal thrombosis treated in our center?

1. Intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs are intraocular drug injections. They have a long-term effect on the internal structures of the eye, help reduce retinal edema, strengthen the vascular walls, and improve the blood supply to the eye
2. Laser treatment – in case of thrombosis, the veins in front of the eyes are clogged, and the retina receives less oxygen, therefore, to compensate for its deficiency, new blood vessels grow. They are too thin and break often. Therefore, laser coagulation is performed – in other words, cauterization of these newly formed capillaries. This helps to avoid repeated hemorrhages and preserve vision.
3. Treatment of the underlying disease – since thrombosis is most often the result of a primary pathology, it is important to undergo treatment for diabetes, maintain normal blood pressure, monitor blood counts.