Eye discharge or subconjunctival hemorrhage, also known as "blood in the eyes," can cause distress at first glance. Although it may seem serious - after all, some spots can take up a large part of the eye - the condition does not usually present any health risks.

See also: What are the risks of emotional hypertension?

What is eye stroke and what causes it?

Eye strain is the rupture of an artery or blood vessel in one or both eyes. As a result, the blood that travels through these pathways ends up leaking into the connective tissue, causing the reddish spot in the white area of the eye.

This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as trauma to the head or eyes, use of some anticoagulant medications, and increased eye pressure.

In addition, some everyday efforts, such as sneezing or coughing, straining when picking up a weight, or even when evacuating, can favor damage to the ocular veins or arteries.

Finally, another factor that can contribute to the disorder is stress: very intense emotional changes can increase blood pressure as well as heart rate, resulting in stroke.

Is the condition serious?

In most cases, eye leakage is harmless. The blood vessels and arteries that make up the eyes are usually more sensitive, so any situation that affects these structures can damage them. However, it is important to seek the evaluation of an ophthalmologist to identify the cause of the blood leakage.

If the episodes are recurrent - that is, if you have the problem frequently - you should not neglect it. After all, eye stroke can be a sign of heart disease, such as hypertension. So if you have a history of heart disease, you need to have frequent follow-ups and watch out for signs such as eye stroke.

Symptoms of Eye Stroke

In addition to the reddish patch in the white area of the eye, the condition can cause itching and mild irritation. Some individuals even have the sensation of a foreign body in the affected eye. Depending on the ruptured pathway, the red mole can be discrete or broad and take on varying forms.

But, it is worth reinforcing that the condition does not compromise vision or cause temporary visual changes. If this happens, see a doctor immediately.

Diagnosis and treatment

Usually, the diagnosis is clinical. In other words, the ophthalmologist analyzes the spot, its extent, and investigates the patient's history. To help identify the cause, it is common to perform a simple eye pressure test, which is usually done before the consultation.

However, if there is discomfort, the doctor may prescribe lubricating eye drops and compresses to relieve the irritation.

References: Cleveland Clinic; British Heart Foundation; and Mayo Clinic.