My 86-year-old father "felt" a blood vessel burst in his eye late at night. Does he need to see a doctor?

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My 86-year-old father "felt" a blood vessel burst in his eye late at night. Does he need to see a doctor?

DEC 04, 2012

Question:

My 86-year-old father "felt" a blood vessel burst in his eye late at night. The following day it was red and my sister described the area as looking a bit like a fried egg with a bump near the iris. He doesn't want to see a doctor. Is it important that he see one?

Answer:

If he has no symptoms, and the eye is not uncomfortable, he has probably had a "subconjunctival hemorrhage," which is nothing to worry about. These things look bad but are of no concern. However, if he has additional symptoms, he should see an ophthalmologist.

Answered By: C P Wilkinson MD
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My 86-year-old father "felt" a blood vessel burst in his eye late at night. Does he need to see a doctor?

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