Good day readers.
I was chatting with another doctor the other day, and she could not help but notice that we are seeing a higher incidence of bleeding in the eyes than normal. I agreed with her. Today we would like to revisit the topic of eye bleeds.
Bleeding in the eye or hemorrhages is caused by bleeding from damaged or broken blood vessels. These hemorrhages can be found under the eyelids (black eye), on the white part of the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage), inside the eyeball itself (hyphema, vitreous hemorrhages, choroidal hemorrhages ) or behind the eye.
There are many causes of bleeding in the eye depending on the affected part of the eye. Trauma is the number one cause of eye bleeds. This can result from a blow to the eye.
Diseases such as diabetes mellitus can cause internal bleeding due to the proliferation of new blood vessels that are weak. These vessels tend to bleed. Medication such as the use of steroids can increase the risk of bleeding. Also, hormonal changes can increase the risk of bleeding.
Extreme coughing and sneezing have also been known to cause hemorrhages in the eyes. Also when one has to press too hard in the toilet as in the case of severe constipation, the abdominal pressure can rise above the Intra capillary pressure and burst the small blood vessels in the eye. Vomiting and pushing at childbirth can also cause the same problem.
Bending a lot and lifting very heavy objects have been known to cause hemorrhages. Some people are born with certain blood factors missing, and therefore do not have the ability to clot (hemophiliacs). Also, patients suffering from severe sickle cell disease are at risk of eye bleeds.
Treatment usually starts with treating the underlying condition. In the case of external bleeds, cold compresses may suffice, however, if the condition arises from a blunt injury further investigation may be required to see if any other structures within the eye are affected.
Internal bleeds are usually of a more serious nature and should be treated as such. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drops. It is very important to take all bleeding in the eyes seriously.
Contact your doctor especially if you are experiencing pain or visual disturbance.
“REMEMBER TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR EYES”
- 10 SIGNS YOU NEED AN EYE EXAM - May 20, 2018
- WORLD GLAUCOMA WEEK - March 11, 2018
- The Importance OfEye Exams - February 5, 2018
Recent Comments