Bleeding in eye

[Linzenilss38]

I have a popped blood vessel in my eye. I did not do anything to cause it. Can that mean I have a low platelet count? Had anyone for this due to liver disease?

[AyrshireK]

Unlikely anything to do with platelet counts, burst blood vessels in the eye are very common (indeed I had one myself a couple of weeks ago with zero liver involvement).

What causes broken blood vessels?

Burst blood vessels in the eye happen when a tiny blood vessel breaks just underneath the conjunctiva, which is the clear surface of your eye. The exact cause of them is unknown, but it is suspected that instances of increased blood pressure such as sneezing or coughing violently, heavy lifting or even laughing forcefully can lead to this condition.

In other instances, burst blood vessels in the eye can be caused by:

Rubbing the eye intensely

The use of blood-thinning medications or aspirin

Eye infections or trauma

Eye surgery

In most cases, burst blood vessels in the eye heal themselves over the course of a few days up to two weeks. Eye drops can be used to treat symptoms like itchiness due to irritation.

The time to call a doctor is when symptoms exist beyond just this slight irritation. Discharge, swelling, sudden changes in vision and/or sharp pain are all signals that there may be a deeper issue, and your optometrist should make an assessment. Also, if the broken vessel does not clear up within 14 days, it might be a good idea to have it checked.

[Hidden]

Hi,

You have had a very comprehensive response from Katie on this thread.

We would just add to see your own doctor for assessment and investigate cause.

Best wishes.

[Onesmallstep1969]

Had that once. It's called a conjunctival hemorrhage and it was caused, in my case, by lifting heavy luggage when I was travelling. Not at all related to my liver, according to my hep doctors.