- 1. Scratch on the eye
- 2. Allergic reaction
- 3. Subconjunctival hemorrhage
- 4. Episcleritis
- 5. Pterygium
- Red spot on baby's eye
The red spot in the eye can appear for several causes, such as an irritation after a foreign product or body falls, a scratch, an allergic reaction or even an eye disease, such as episcleritis, for example..
However, a very important cause of this alteration in the eye is subconjunctival hemorrhage, known as ocular effusion, when a blood vessel ruptures, due to some effort, sneezing, coughing or scratching or taking a hit on the spot.
To identify the cause of the red spot in the eye, it is necessary to seek care from the ophthalmologist, who will make the assessment, and indicate the best treatment for each case.
See also what can cause burning in the eye.
1. Scratch on the eye
The eye may become irritated when scratched, such as when scratching hard or when a foreign body falls, such as a speck in the eye, for example. This is because the membrane that lines the eyes, called the conjunctiva, is fragile and contains blood vessels that can easily rupture.
- What to do: To relieve irritation in the eye, it is recommended to make cold water compresses, and use lubricating eye drops. However, in case of severe pain that does not improve, or if the stain grows, it is recommended to go to the ophthalmologist to assess the depth of the injury.
2. Allergic reaction
Allergic reactions due to contact with dust, mites, mold or chemical substances, such as makeup or shampoos, can cause redness in the eyes, which is located in one spot or diffuse throughout the eye, causing conjunctivitis.
In addition to the red spot, itchiness, burning, watering, or swollen eyelid usually appear, as well as other symptoms such as sneezing and itchy skin, which may also indicate that it is an allergy.
- What to do: It is recommended to move away or remove the substance that causes allergy, wash your eyes with saline and use a lubricating or anti-allergic eye drops. If the symptoms persist for more than 2 days, it is necessary to see the ophthalmologist for a better assessment of the changes. Here are some home remedies to get rid of eye allergy.
3. Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Also known as hyposfagma or stroke in the eye, this change is caused when a blood vessel on the surface of the eye ruptures, causing a blood stain.
The most common causes of this bleeding are scratching or rubbing the eyes, coughing, making an effort, vomiting or due to an infection or surgery in the eye or eyelid.
- What to do: most of the time, subconjunctival hemorrhage is not serious, and disappears spontaneously after a few days, it is recommended to make cold water compresses in the eye twice a day and use artificial tears to accelerate healing and decrease discomfort. If the injury does not improve after a few days or causes pain or changes in vision, you should see an ophthalmologist. See more on how to remove the blood stain from the eye.
4. Episcleritis
Episcleritis is the inflammation of the layer of the eye that lines the cornea, causing a red spot in the eye, swelling and, in some cases, the appearance of a lump that can move through the layer of the episclera, called an episcleral nodule.
This change is benign and self-limiting, and although its cause is not fully understood, in some cases it can arise in association with autoimmune, rheumatic or infectious diseases, such as syphilis, brucellosis or herpes zoster, for example.
- What to do: Episcleritis usually disappears spontaneously after 1 to 2 weeks, and treatment can be done with cold water compresses and artificial tears. The ophthalmologist may also recommend anti-inflammatories, as well as antibiotics, in case of an infection. Better understand what episcleritis is and how to treat it.
5. Pterygium
Pterygium is a growth of a membrane over the cornea, formed by fibrous tissue and blood vessels, reddish in color, which can grow slowly and cause symptoms such as discomfort in the eyes, redness and itching,.and if it grows too much, it can cause changes in the eyesight.
Its appearance is related to excessive sun exposure, without protection, although it is also influenced by genetics.
- What to do: the ophthalmologist may recommend the use of eye drops with artificial tears to relieve discomfort, and sun protection with glasses and hats is also important. If it grows too much and impairs vision, or for aesthetic reasons, surgery may be performed to remove the tissue.
Red spot on baby's eye
The baby's eye can suffer from subconjunctival hemorrhage, as he is often making efforts to evacuate, cough or sneeze, and may be able to reach up to his eyes to scratch. Usually, this situation is not worrying, and it usually disappears in 2 or 3 weeks.
However, if the blood stain in the eye persists, or if the baby has a fever, discharge from the eyes or other symptoms, you should see your pediatrician or ophthalmologist, as it may be some type of infection, such as conjunctivitis.
See in what situations it may be conjunctivitis in the baby's eye.
