Popped Blood Vessel in Eye: Winnipeg Guide to Causes and Treatment

Why did a blood vessel pop in my eye all of a sudden?

A “popped” blood vessel on the white of the eye is usually a subconjunctival haemorrhage, meaning a tiny surface blood vessel has broken under the clear tissue that covers the white of your eye. It often looks dramatic and bright red, but it is usually painless and does not affect vision.

In many cases, people only notice it in the mirror or when someone else points it out. Everyday things that raise pressure in the head, like coughing or sneezing, can be enough to cause it.

Is a popped blood vessel in the eye dangerous?

Popped blood vessel on the white of the eye showing a subconjunctival haemorrhage

Most subconjunctival haemorrhages are not dangerous and tend to clear on their own over one to three weeks. The redness usually spreads out a bit and then slowly fades, similar to a bruise on the skin.

However, a popped vessel can sometimes be linked to other issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, blood-thinning medications, or eye injury, so it should not be ignored if it keeps happening. If you are unsure, it is reasonable to book an eye exam in Winnipeg to have it checked.

What usually causes a burst blood vessel in the eye?

Common everyday triggers include:

Coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose hard.
Straining with constipation or heavy lifting.
Vomiting or intense laughing.
Rubbing the eyes or accidentally bumping/poking the eye.
Contact lens irritation or inserting/removing contacts roughly.
Other factors that can raise the risk include high blood pressure, diabetes, blood-thinning medications (like warfarin or aspirin), and blood-clotting problems.
Sometimes no clear cause is found at all.

How long does a popped blood vessel on the eye take to heal?

Most small subconjunctival haemorrhages fade in about 1–2 weeks, and larger ones may take closer to 3 weeks. The colour can shift from bright red to darker red, then yellowish as the blood breaks down and is reabsorbed.

If the redness is not improving after about 2–3 weeks, or if new patches keep appearing, an optometrist or your family doctor should take a closer look.

Is there treatment for a burst blood vessel in the eye?

There is usually no special “treatment” needed to make a simple subconjunctival haemorrhage go away; the body absorbs the blood on its own. Artificial tears can help if the eye feels a bit dry or irritated, but they do not change how fast the red patch clears.

For many people, the main focus is checking for underlying causes, such as blood pressure or medication issues, rather than treating the red spot directly. Your eye care provider might recommend monitoring your blood pressure or speaking with your family doctor if there are concerns.

What can I do at home for a popped blood vessel in my eye?

Person using artificial tears for comfort after a popped blood vessel in the eye

At home, most people can:

Use preservative-free artificial tears if the eye feels dry or gritty
Avoid rubbing the eye, even though it may feel unusual.
Take breaks from screens if the eye feels tired.
Use a cool compress over closed lids for comfort (not directly on the eye surface).

Do not use “redness relief” drops long-term for this, as they do not speed healing and can sometimes cause rebound redness. Avoid self-medicating with someone else’s eye drops, especially any that contain steroids or antibiotics.

When should I worry about a popped blood vessel in my eye?

A simple subconjunctival haemorrhage is usually painless and does not affect vision. If you have any of the red-flag symptoms below, you should seek urgent or emergency care in Winnipeg:

Sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
Flashes of light, a sudden shower of floaters, or a dark curtain over part of your vision.
Moderate to severe eye pain or headache with the redness.
Red eye with light sensitivity, thick discharge, or feeling like something is stuck in the eye that does not wash out.
Recent significant eye or head injury (sports, tools, high-speed impact).

In these situations, go to the nearest Misericorida urgent care centre, or call Health Links – Info Santé in Manitoba for advice if you are unsure where to go.

When should I book urgently at an optometrist in Winnipeg?

For many people in Winnipeg, same-day or next-day optometry care is a good choice if:

The red spot is large or seems to be spreading quickly.
You wear contact lenses and the eye is red, uncomfortable, or light-sensitive.
You have a history of eye problems or recent eye surgery.
You are on blood thinners and notice frequent or unusually large eye bleeds.
The popped vessel keeps coming back in one or both eyes.

An optometrist can confirm that it is a surface bleed only and check for signs of infection, inflammation, or more serious internal bleeding (such as a hyphema after an injury).

What to expect at Eyes on Bridgwater if you come in with a popped vessel

Optometrist examining a red eye for a possible burst blood vessel at a Winnipeg clinic

At Eyes on Bridgwater, a visit for a subconjunctival haemorrhage is usually calm and straightforward. The goal is to make sure the redness is harmless and to look for underlying causes.

You can typically expect:

A careful history of what you were doing when you noticed the redness, recent illness, new medications, and any injuries.
A measurement of your vision and a look inside the eye with lights and lenses.
A close inspection of the front surface of the eye and eyelids, sometimes using a microscope called a slit lamp.
A check for other issues like corneal irritation, infection, or internal bleeding.
A discussion of whether to monitor, adjust habits (like rubbing or contact lens use), or see your family doctor for blood pressure or medication review.
Clear, practical guidance on what to watch for and when to return sooner.

The exam is usually comfortable and non-invasive, and most people leave feeling reassured and better informed about what is happening in their eye.

Does a popped blood vessel mean I have high blood pressure?

A single subconjunctival haemorrhage does not automatically mean you have high blood pressure. However, repeated or unexplained episodes can sometimes be linked with elevated blood pressure or other vascular conditions.

If the red patches keep coming back, it may be a good time to have both your eyes and blood pressure checked. Your optometrist can recommend follow-up with your family doctor if there are concerns.

Can contact lenses cause a burst blood vessel in the eye?

Contact lenses do not directly “burst” vessels, but dryness, friction, and handling can irritate the surface of the eye and make small vessels more likely to break. Rubbing your eyes while wearing contacts or inserting/removing them roughly can also increase the risk.

If you notice a popped blood vessel along with discomfort, light sensitivity, or discharge while using contact lenses, stop wearing the lenses and arrange an urgent exam. This helps rule out infections or corneal problems, which are more serious than a simple surface bleed.

Is a popped blood vessel in the eye contagious?

A subconjunctival haemorrhage itself is not contagious; it is a small bleed, not an infection. You cannot “catch” a popped blood vessel from someone else.

If the eye is red with discharge, crusting, or burning, that may be a sign of conjunctivitis or another condition, which can sometimes be infectious and should be assessed.

Can kids get a popped blood vessel in their eye too?

Children can also get subconjunctival haemorrhages, often after coughing, vomiting, or rubbing their eyes. In many cases, they heal the same way as in adults.

However, repeated or unexplained eye bleeds in children should always be checked, as they can occasionally be related to underlying health concerns or injury. If you notice this in a child, an eye exam and discussion with your paediatrician or family doctor is important.

What if my eye is full of blood, not just a red patch?

Diagram of the conjunctiva explaining where a popped blood vessel occurs on the eye surface

A subconjunctival haemorrhage usually shows as a bright red or dark red patch on the white part of the eye, with the coloured iris and pupil still clearly visible. If the front of the eye seems to be filling with blood or you see a reddish layer in front of the iris, that may be a different problem (hyphema) and needs same-day emergency assessment.

Any vision change, significant trauma, or large amount of blood inside the eye should be treated as an emergency. Do not wait to see if it goes away.

Want a quick video explanation?

For a clear, friendly overview of popped blood vessels on the eye and when to worry, you can watch this Good Optometry Morning video: “Popped Blood Vessel in the Eye (Subconjunctival Hemorrhage)” on YouTube. The video link is:

Video content like this can be a helpful way to see real-life examples and hear an optometrist walk through common questions and concerns.

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. It does not replace a proper eye exam or care from your optometrist, family doctor, or emergency physician. If you have any eye symptoms, new redness, or changes in your vision, book an appointment or seek urgent care as appropriate.

If you experience sudden vision loss, flashes or a dark curtain in your vision, severe eye pain, or heavy trauma to the eye, seek emergency care right away.

About Eyes on Bridgwater

Eyes on Bridgwater optometry clinic welcoming patients with eye redness in Winnipeg

Eyes on Bridgwater is an independent optometry clinic in southwest Winnipeg, focused on practical, down-to-earth eye care for the whole family. The clinic offers comprehensive eye exams, children’s eye care, contact lens services, and medical eye evaluations in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

The team takes time to explain findings in everyday language, answer questions, and help you make comfortable decisions about your vision and eye health.

Key Takeaways

A “popped” blood vessel on the eye is usually a subconjunctival haemorrhage, which looks alarming but is often painless and harmless.
Common triggers include coughing, sneezing, straining, rubbing the eye, minor injuries, and contact lens irritation.
Most cases clear on their own within 1–3 weeks, and treatment is usually limited to comfort measures like artificial tears.
See urgent or emergency care if there is vision loss, severe pain, flashes/floaters with a curtain, heavy trauma, or blood inside the front of the eye.
Recurrent or unexplained eye bleeds may be linked with conditions such as high blood pressure or blood-thinning medications and should be checked by an optometrist and family doctor.
In Winnipeg, Eyes on Bridgwater can examine the eye, confirm the cause of the redness, and give clear guidance on next steps.