Why Is There Suddenly a Red Blood Patch in the White Part of My Eye?
The sudden appearance of a red blood patch in the whites of the eyes is a condition that should be taken seriously. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is known as "white eye bleeding" and belongs to subconjunctival hemorrhage. The shape and size of the hemorrhage can vary, often appearing as a mass or patch, which can spread to cover a large area of the conjunctiva. In some cases, the hemorrhage may appear bright red. Prompt treatment is necessary. Let's explore the causes of this condition in detail.
If a patient experiences this condition, it is likely due to subconjunctival hemorrhage. Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when the capillaries under the conjunctiva rupture. This can be caused by excessive force exerted by the patient, such as vigorous coughing, vomiting, constipation, or even snoring due to nasal congestion during sleep. Upon experiencing this condition, patients should remain calm and check for any underlying issues such as high blood pressure. Initially, applying a cold compress to the eye can be helpful. Typically, this type of hemorrhage resolves completely within a week. However, patients should be mindful of avoiding further exertion to prevent the hemorrhage from expanding.
Subconjunctival hemorrhage refers to the rupture of small blood vessels in the conjunctiva, resulting in the accumulation of blood beneath the conjunctival surface. This condition is known as "white eye bleeding" in traditional Chinese medicine. The shape and size of the hemorrhage can vary, often appearing as patches or masses that may cover a large area of the conjunctiva. In mild cases, the hemorrhage may appear bright red, while in more severe cases, it may bulge and appear purple. Subconjunctival hemorrhage most commonly occurs in the palpebral fissure area. As time passes, the hemorrhage often tends to move towards the corneal limbus or gather beneath the conjunctiva due to gravity. The hemorrhage initially appears bright or dark red, later turning yellowish, and eventually disappearing without leaving a trace. Most hemorrhages are caused by inflammation or trauma, while spontaneous hemorrhages are more common in the elderly, individuals with hypertension, diabetes, and blood disorders. The symptoms of subconjunctival hemorrhage are often not apparent to the patient and are often discovered by others. The hemorrhage may increase within the first three days but typically resolves within a week without leaving any lasting marks.
