How does a red spot on eye arise? Get a factual overview of red spots in eyes, pictures and home remedies. Also preventative measures for red spot on eye have also been discussed.
Red Spot on Eye Causes
red spot on eye picture
In many cases a red spot on the eyes can be very alarming, especially when a person doesn’t know what exactly might have caused it. Red spots on the eye are called subconjuctival hemorrhage, which can be simply defined as bleeding in the eye. It occurs when there is some form of trauma to the sclera (white part of the eye) causing the tiny blood vessels to rupture, the blood get trapped under the conjunctiva causing the red spot on eye.
The spots are usually small or sometimes very large and in rare cases cover all or most of the sclera. However it is also important to note that, Subconjuctival hemorrhage happens spontaneously and is usually painless and harmless. It also doesn’t cause any light sensitivity or vision loss. Below are 16 possible causes of red spots on eyes.
- ALLERGIES
Eye allergy is also known as, ocular allergy, and is known to be the major cause of red eyes. Allergies cause red, itchy, burning and watery eyes. Eye allergies occur due to a glitch in the body immune system. The immune system, in the process of fighting off the allergens, produces antibodies that cause the eyes to release some amount of histamine and other substances. This causes the eyes to be red, itchy and watery.
- EYE DISORDERS
Red spots on eyes can also be caused by eye disorders. The common eye infections that can result to red spots on eyes include:
- Conjunctivitis or pink eyes: conjunctivitis is an infection that produces red and irritated eyes. It is usually caused by virus that does not respond to anti-virals or antibiotics. The disorder in extreme conditions, can lead to itching and a discharge.
- Blepharitis: Blepharitis is also a disorder that produces red eyes. It is often accompanied by a crust forming over the eyelashes.
- Uveitis: uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, or the middle layer of the eye, and can cause red spots on eyes along with blurry vision and light sensitivity.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma especially acute angle-closure glaucoma is characterized by a sudden appearance of painful, bright-red eyes as well as nausea and vision loss.
- EYE SURGERY
After eye surgery the eyes may develop red spots or patches on either the eyeball or eyelid.
- EYE TRAUMA
You can develop red spots on eyes after a trauma caused by a foreign object that entered your eyes. Small insects and dust particles are the common causes of red spots on eyes especially on eye whites.
- ALCOHOL
Alcohol greatly affects the blood vessels. Thus, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages may increase the blood pressure in the blood vessels, hence causing damage to the blood vessels in the sclera (white part of the eye) thus resulting to red dots around the eyes.
- VIOLENT SNEEZING
Even though sneezing is harmless and necessary for our bodies to expel certain foreign particles which can cause irritation in the body system. Violent sneezing can create enormous pressure on the blood vessels in the eyes resulting to red spots around the eyes.
- CONTACT LENSES
Wearing contact lenses for a very long time can contribute to build up of irritants on the surface of the eye as well as lead to infections this in the long run can cause your eyes to appear red with red spots.
- COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME
Red spots on the eyes can be due to staring at computer screen for too long, so taking breaks and using eye drops is recommended to give your eyes some rest and prevent them from having red dots and becoming dry.
- CORNEAL ULCER
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea which occur as a result of bacterial infections. Corneal ulcer often appears following an eye injury, trauma or some other forms of damage. Symptoms of a corneal ulcer may include the soreness of the eyes and sensitivity to light. Other can include red eyes, reduced vision and pain in the eye.
- DRY EYES
Sometimes your tear glands may fail to produce tears for your eyes to stay sufficiently nourished and lubricated, resulting in dry and inflamed eyes that appear red. A medical condition, hormonal changes and some medicines can result to dry eyes. Chronic dry eyes may cause the surface of the eye to become inflamed and irritated, giving the eyes a red appearance.
It is only a doctor who can determine if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing dry eyes. An ophthalmologist can perform various eye tests and diagnosis to determine the underlying cause of dry eyes.
- HORMANAL CHANGES
Sudden changes in hormonal levels in the body either due to emotions, anxiety and stress can make your eyes to develop red spots.
- MUSCLE STRAINING
Involving yourself in a tough-energy involving physical activity like lifting a heavy load may cause muscle straining; this further results to development of red spots on eye white.
- COLD AND FLU
Puffy, red spots on eyes may be as a result of sinus infection or blocked sinuses and further irritated by excessive sneezing, coughing or retching.
- MEDICAL COMPLICATION
Some of underlying risk factors that can result to Subconjuctival hemorrhage include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (highpertension)
- Certain blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) and aspirin.
- Blood-clotting disorders that is related to platelet count
- LACK OF ENOUGH SLEEP
Not getting enough sleep can turn your eyes red and rubbing them only worsens the situation.
- SWIMMING
Swimming in chlorinated pool of water or natural salty water while opening your eyes can cause your eyes to turn red with red blood spots. In pools, the chlorinated water irritates your eyes, while the bacteria in salty water cause irritation and turns your eyes red.
- SMOKING
Tobacco smoke produce toxic eye irritants that cause itchy and dry eyes with red spots on the eye white
Red Spot in Eye Baby
Red spot in the eye of a baby is a common condition which arises when a baby rubs his or her eyes with fingers or if the eye gets infected by infections. Rubbing breaks a tiny blood vessel just below the surface of eye white hence the conjunctiva might not be able to absorb the blood quickly, so it get trapped there for few days or weeks, showing up as red streaks. In many cases red spots in the eye of a baby may not be a worrisome condition if it not accompanied by other symptoms.
However, you need to seek medical advice and help from your doctor if your baby has signs of an eye infection such as:
- Pus or thick discharge coming from the eye
- Redness or swelling around the eye
- Fever
- You see blood over the black part of your baby’s eye (pupil)
- Your baby has problem with vision with pain in the eye.
Red Spot in Corner of Eye
red spot in corner of eye
A broken blood vessel on the eye white will in most cases result to a localized redness, which may occur in the corner of the eye or any other location on the white of the eye. The broken blood vessel, called Subconjuctival hemorrhage, does not typically cause pain, irritation or changes in vision. The hemorrhage will always act like any bruise on the skin and will heal over time. However if the red spot on the eye appears to bulge out or bleeds into the colored part of the eye, a person should seek medical attention.
Red Spot on Eye Picture
How to Get Rid of Red Spot on Eye
Tea Bags
Black and green tea contain bioflavonoids that fight viral and bacterial infection, reducing inflammation. Tea bag is an effective way of treating red spots on eyes. Black and green tea also has tannic acid which plays a big role in soothing the itchiness and swelling.
- Put 2 tea bags inside a refrigerator and leave it in for 20 minutes.
- Remove it and apply over the eyes. Leave the tea bags on your eyes for 20 minutes before removing them.
Chamomile
Make a solution of chamomile by mixing 1 cup of boiled water and 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flower.
- Let it steep for 15 minutes and leave it aside to cool.
- Strain the mixture and use it as an eye wash.
- Alternatively, add few drops of chamomile tincture to 1 cup of boiled water and use it to wash the eyes.
Milk
Milk helps to dissolve the blood clot in the eyes and thus enabling a clear vision. Milk also provides an instant relief from discomfort caused due to the eye injury.
- Take 2 cotton balls and dip them into chilled milk.
- Gently, wring out the excess milk from the cotton balls.
- Place the cotton balls on the affected area for 15 minutes.
- Then, remove the cotton balls and discard them.
- Repeat the process 2 to 3 times daily to treat eye blood red spots.
Golden seal
- Goldenseal can also help to get rid of red spots on eyes. Mix 2 teaspoon of powdered goldenseal herb to one cup of boiled water and use it as a warm compress.
- You can also use the mixture, as an eye drop. Add two drops of this mixture to the eye three times a day to get rid of the red spots on eyes and its accompanying symptoms.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are very effective in getting rid of red spots on eyes. It works similar as cold compress. The cold surface area of the cucumber causes the blood vessels to constrict, reducing the appearance of red eyes. The anti-irritant properties of cucumber reduce inflammation, swelling and irritation of the eyes. For effective results, freeze the cucumber for 10 to 15 minutes before applying it on the eyelids. This gives extra comfort.
Alternatively, soak cucumber slices in rose water and put them in a refrigerator for 20 minutes and remove it. Place it on the eyelids for another 20 minutes. Cucumber will also help reduce dark circles under the eyes.
Raw potato
Raw potato is believed to be an effective remedy for red spots on eyes. Raw potato is rich in vitamins such as vitamin E and minerals. These properties help in getting rid of blood clot in the eyes faster and even help in keeping away other eye infections.
- Take a fresh potato and cut it into thin slices.
- Then place the potato slices in a refrigerator for 60 minutes.
- Place the chilled potato slices on closed eyes.
- Leave the potato slices on the eyes for 30 minutes and relax.
- Then remove the potato slices and discard them.
- If need be rinse your eyes with some cold water to remove the potato starch residue from around the eyes.
- Repeat this process twice daily for 3 days to get rid of red spots on eyes.
Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel contain astringent properties which helps in providing an immediate relief to eye injury also plays an important role in getting rid of symptoms such as swelling, inflammation, blood clot and soothes the eye area.
- Take a cotton ball and dip it inside a witch hazel extract.
- Place this cotton ball on your eyes.
- Leave the cotton ball over your eyes for 20 minutes, then remove and discard them.
- Repeat this process 2 to 3 times a day until the red spots on your eyes are completely cleared.
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are known to posses unique properties which help to prevent blood clotting. This property of fenugreek seeds is quite beneficial for getting rid of blood clot in the eye and helps in calming the inflammation effectively.
- Take 1 cup of water and add a few fenugreek seeds into it.
- Allow the fenugreek seeds to soak overnight or at least for 7 to 8 hours.
- After 8 hours grind the soaked fenugreek seeds into a smooth paste
- Close your affected eyes and apply this paste on the eyes.
- Leave the paste on the eyes to sit for 30 minutes and relax.
- After 30 minutes rinse of the paste with cold water
- Repeat this process daily until the red spots on your eyes are completely cleared.
Fennel seeds
Fennel seeds are considered as an effective eye tonic. Fennel seeds contain essential nutrients and antioxidants which help in improving the vision, help in clearing the red spots and even rejuvenate the eyes.
- Crush the fennel seeds in a motor and pestle into powder form
- Boil 1 cup of distilled water
- Add the powdered fennel seeds into the boiling water.
- Cover the cup and allow the mixture to steep for 30 minutes.
- Then, strain the fennel seeds infused water through a fine mesh strainer or fine mesh twice.
- Refrigerate the fennel seeds liquid in a sterilized container or bottle.
- Rinse your eyes with this liquid.
- Repeat the process 3 times a day to clear the red spot in your eye and improve the vision.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Infection is one of the major causes of red spots in eyes. Red spots in the eyes cause irritation, pain, swelling as well as blurred vision sometimes. To clear the red spots and its associated symptoms in the eyes, vinegar is considered as an effective remedy.
- Take a cup of water and add a few drops apple cider vinegar.
- Stir well and dip a clean cotton ball into the water and apple cider vinegar solution.
- Gently squeeze the excess solution from the cotton ball.
- Clean the affected eye with this cotton ball.
- Repeat this process 3 times a day until the red spots in the eye is cleared.
Preventative Measures and Tips to Treat Red Spot in Eye Faster
- Avoid contact with allergens as they can increase the eye infection and lead to red spot in the eye.
- Maintain a balance diet rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamin B complex, vitamin C and E to strengthen the eye.
- Avoid smoking as it prevents the blood clot from dissolving.
- Avoid rubbing the affected area vigorously
- Regularly use cold water compress on the affected eyes helps in healing the injury faster.
- Avoid straining the eyes by sitting for longer hours watching TV or on computer screens as it can irritate the eyes.
- Use anti-glare glass to protect the eyes from screen reflection to heal the eye injury faster.
- Place a chilled spoon on the affected eyes for 5 minutes to reduce swelling if any
- Wash your hands frequently after touching the injured eye to prevent eye infection.
Further sources and references:
