If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.
Overview
It doesn't affect vision.
It often happens with no clear cause.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayEye pain, vision changes, or after an injury.
See a doctor soonHappens often, or on blood thinners.
Causes
Causes include coughing, sneezing, straining, and blood thinners.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause bright red patch on the white of the eye. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Broken blood vessel in the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage)Often treated at home
A bright red patch on the white of the eye from a tiny burst blood vessel, often after coughing, sneezing, straining, or rubbing.
What you can do at home
- No treatment needed.
Medicines
None needed.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Injury
- Medicines
The exam
An eye exam.
Tests
- Blood pressure check
Prevention
Usually not preventable.
- Control blood pressure
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.