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How Long Does a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye Last?

A broken blood vessel in the eye, medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, typically takes 1 to 2 weeks (7 to 14 days) to fully resolve. Because the conjunctiva (the clear skin covering the eye) cannot absorb blood quickly, the blood remains trapped visible on the white of the eye for days. Smaller spots may clear up in under a week, while large, dense patches of blood can take up to 3 weeks to disappear completely.

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How Long Does a Broken Blood Vessel in the Eye Last?

A broken blood vessel in the eye, medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, typically takes 1 to 2 weeks (7 to 14 days) to fully resolve. Because the conjunctiva (the clear skin covering the eye) cannot absorb blood quickly, the blood remains trapped visible on the white of the eye for days. Smaller spots may clear up in under a week, while large, dense patches of blood can take up to 3 weeks to disappear completely.

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The Absorption Process (The Bruise Cycle)

The healing process follows the same pattern as a bruise on your skin. Initially, the spot is a bright, alarmingly deep red. As the body begins to break down the hemoglobin and reabsorb the blood cells, the color will shift. Over the course of the second week, the red will fade into shades of yellow, orange, or green. This color change is a positive sign that the hemorrhage is resolving, not that it is getting infected.

The Gravity Effect

Do not be alarmed if the red spot moves or changes shape. Gravity often pulls the trapped liquid blood downward. You may notice that a hemorrhage that started at the top of your eye "migrates" to the bottom eyelid after a few days. This is a normal part of the drainage process and does not indicate active bleeding.

Why Do "Whitening" Drops Fail?

Many patients mistakenly use over-the-counter redness relief drops (vasoconstrictors) to fix the issue. These drops work by shrinking active blood vessels. However, a subconjunctival hemorrhage is a pool of blood that has already leaked outside the vessel. Therefore, vasoconstrictors have zero effect on the redness. There is no medication that can speed up the absorption; patience is the only cure.

Common Triggers

Most cases are spontaneous and harmless. The fragile vessels in the eye can burst due to a sudden spike in venous pressure caused by:

  • Valsalva Maneuver - Heavy lifting, straining on the toilet, or vomiting.
  • Respiratory Force - Violent coughing or powerful sneezing. Mechanical
  • Trauma - Rubbing the eye too hard, especially upon waking.
  • Medications - Use of blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) makes these vessels much more prone to leaking.

FAQs on Broken Blood Vessels

Does it damage my vision?

No. The blood is trapped in the outer layer (conjunctiva). It does not enter the inside of the eye or cover the pupil, so your sight remains unaffected.

Is it contagious?

No. Even though it looks scary (and sometimes resembles "pink eye"), a subconjunctival hemorrhage is not an infection. You cannot pass it to others.

Can I wear contact lenses?

Generally, yes, if the eye is comfortable. However, if the hemorrhage is slightly raised or creates a bump, the lens might irritate it. Most doctors recommend wearing glasses for a few days to let the eye rest.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

A broken vessel should be painless. If you have a red eye accompanied by pain, light sensitivity, or discharge, see a doctor, as this could be an infection or inflammation (iritis). Additionally, if you get these hemorrhages frequently (recurrent bleeding), you should see your primary care doctor to check for high blood pressure or a blood clotting disorder.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/subconjunctival-hemorrhage/symptoms-causes/syc-20353826

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-subconjunctival-hemorrhage

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17698-subconjunctival-hemorrhage