Question:
Blood vessels keep bursting in my left eye. I have gone to the eye doctor 2 times and he says there is nothing wrong. It happened again last night for the 4th time in a year. Could there be any other problem?

Answer:
Let me assume that what you are referring to are recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages, or blood trapped between the clear surface membrane and the underlying white tissue (sclera). Please ask the ophthalmologist who saw you if this is the correct diagnosis, as other conditions may look similar to an untrained eye.  If you have not seen an Eye M.D., go to a comprehensive ophthalmologist to confirm the diagnosis.

Subconjunctival hemorrhages are like a small bruise, or blood under the skin, and will disappear with no treatment. They are generally benign, inconsequential, and self limited , but scary.  Usually, the patient is unaware of them until a friend asks, "What happened to your eye?"

The most common cause is dry eye.  Begin a regimen of a high quality artificial tear (NOT something to take the red out or treat allergies, etc.) every 2 to 3 hours while awake.  You may need an ointment at night.

Increase your omega 3 intake by eating salmon and other cold water fish, nuts and supplements of omega three and flaxseed.

DO NOT RUB your eyes.  Have someone check to see that they are shut tight when you are asleep, especially if you have had eyelid surgery, facelifts, or forehead surgery or Bell's Palsy.  If the eyelids are not well closed at night, tape them shut or use a firm sleepmask to keep them shut.

If closure is not a problem, but the problem is occurring in sleep, then you are rubbing your eyes.  In that case, get a pair of firm goggles and wear them all night.  They must wrap around tightly.  If you cant find any, ask your general ophthalmologist for the kind we often give to LASIK or cataract patients following surgery. 

If you are taking coumadin, aspirin, or other "blood thinners," steroids, etc, or are on chemotherapy, or have bleeding elsewhere,  blood dyscrasias, or a family history of clottong disorders, see your doctor.  Do not change any medications without medical advice!

Have your ophthalmologist check carefully for rosacea, blepharitis, signs of ocular allergy, etc, and treat them agressively when present.  Good luck!  

Answered by:
Richard G Shugarman, MD

Categories:
Eye Diseases, General Eye Health