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Dr. Vanuli Bajpai | Eye Specialist in Delhi | Manipal Hospitals

Dr. Vanuli Bajpai

Consultant - Ophthalmology

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Dr. Vanuli Bajpai | Eye Specialist in Delhi | Manipal Hospitals
Reviewed by

Dr. Vanuli Bajpai

Consultant - Ophthalmology

Manipal Hospitals, Delhi

Blood Clot in the Eye? Here's What Causes It and How to Treat It

Reviewed by:

Dr. Vanuli Bajpai

Posted On: Jun 20, 2025
blogs read 7 Min Read
Causes and Treatment of Blood Clot in the Eye

Discovering a blood clot in the eye can be an unsettling experience. Whether you notice a red patch on the white of your eye or are suffering from blurred vision, understanding the underlying causes and treatment options is essential. In most cases, eye clots are harmless and resolve on their own, but certain conditions may require immediate medical attention. This article explores the blood clot in the eye causes, explains how to get rid of a blood clot in the eye, and highlights the best blood clot in eye treatment options.

 

What Is a Blood Clot in the Eye?

A blood clot in the eye refers to bleeding that occurs either on the eye’s surface or inside the eye. Depending on the location and severity, it can be classified into two main types:

  1. Subconjunctival Haemorrhage – This occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks beneath the conjunctiva, the clear surface layer of the eye. It results in a red or dark patch on the white of the eye but usually causes no pain or vision problems.

  2. Retinal Haemorrhage – A more serious condition in which blood spots appear on the retina due to various reasons like blockage of a vein in the retina, diabetic retinopathy, etc. This can lead to vision loss and requires immediate medical attention.

Specialists at Manipal Hospital Delhi frequently diagnose and treat both types with care and precision, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment tailored to their condition.

Causes and Treatment of Blood Clot in the Eye

Blood Clot in Eye Causes

Understanding the blood clot in eye causes can help determine whether the condition is minor or potentially serious.

Common Causes of Subconjunctival Haemorrhage:

  • Sudden coughing, sneezing, or straining

  • Rubbing the eyes vigorously

  • Lifting heavy objects

  • Eye trauma or injury

  • High blood pressure

  • Blood-thinning medications (aspirin, warfarin)

  • Diabetes or bleeding disorders

This type of eye bleed often looks dramatic, but typically heals within one to two weeks without intervention.

Causes of Retinal Haemorrhage:

  • Retinal Vein Occlusion- may occur due to hardening of arteries (Atherosclerosis), hypertension, high cholesterol, etc

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • Severe Anemia

  • Clotting disorders

Doctors at Manipal Hospital Delhi stress the importance of managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension to reduce the risk of retinal clots.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

While subconjunctival haemorrhage may present as a painless red patch with no visual symptoms, retinal haemorrhages can lead to:

If you experience sudden changes in vision, it’s vital to consult an eye specialist immediately. Manipal Hospital Delhi offers state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to detect these problems early.

Blood Clot in Eye Treatment Options

For Subconjunctival Haemorrhage:

  • No specific treatment is needed – the body reabsorbs the blood naturally within 1–2 weeks.

  • Artificial tears or lubricating drops can ease irritation or dryness.

  • Cold compresses in the first 24 hours can help if the eye feels strained.

  • Avoid rubbing the eye or lifting heavy objects.

  • Monitor blood pressure and avoid blood thinners unless prescribed.

For Retinal Haemorrhage:

Treatment depends on the cause of retinal haemorrhage and the stage of the disease. It may include

  • Anti-VEGF injections (e.g., ranibizumab) to reduce macular oedema and restore vision.

  • Steroid injections to reduce inflammation.

  • Laser therapy is used to prevent further damage to the retina.

  • Systemic disease control – managing high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.

Specialists at Manipal Hospital Delhi customise treatment based on the type and severity of the clot, using both advanced medical and surgical options.

How to Get Rid of Blood Clot in Eye Quickly

If you're wondering how to get rid of a blood clot in your eye, the answer depends on the type:

  • For surface-level clots, rest and eye care are sufficient.

  • Avoid blood-thinning substances (only after consultation with your prescribing Physician).

  • Use artificial tears to prevent dryness and aid healing.

  • Maintain good cardiovascular health to support healing.

  • For retinal clots, follow the ophthalmologist’s plan involving injections or laser therapy.

Doctors at Manipal Hospital Delhi NCR recommend regular follow-ups, especially for patients with diabetes or cardiovascular conditions, to prevent recurrence.

Prevention Tips

Preventing a blood clot in the eye often comes down to overall health management. Here are a few effective steps:

  • Control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels.

  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

  • Stay physically active.

  • Wear protective eyewear during sports or hazardous work.

  • Have regular eye check-ups, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history of eye disease.

Routine screenings at Manipal Hospital Delhi can help detect eye and vascular issues before they lead to complications.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:

  • Sudden loss of vision

  • Blurred or double vision

  • Eye pain or persistent redness

  • Recurrent episodes of subconjunctival haemorrhage

  • New floaters or flashes in your vision

Prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist is essential. Early intervention offers the best chance of preserving vision and identifying any underlying health problems.

Final Thoughts

A blood clot in the eye can be alarming, but it isn’t always a sign of a serious condition. In many cases, especially with subconjunctival haemorrhage, it resolves on its own. However, deeper clots, such as those caused by retinal vein occlusion or diabetic retinopathy, can pose a serious risk to vision and require timely treatment.

Understanding the blood clot in eye causes, knowing how to get rid of a blood clot in the eye, and seeking the right blood clot in eye treatment are key to protecting your eyesight. Whether it’s a minor bleed or a serious blockage, trust the expert team at Manipal Hospital Delhi NCR for comprehensive eye care tailored to your needs.

FAQ's

A blood clot in the eye can occur due to several factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, eye trauma, straining, or blood-thinning medications. Surface-level clots (subconjunctival haemorrhages) are often harmless, while deeper clots (retinalhaemorrhages) may be linked to serious health conditions. If you're unsure about the cause, a detailed eye examination at Manipal Hospital Delhi NCR can help identify the underlying issue.

Blood clot in eye treatment depends on the type and severity of the clot. Subconjunctival haemorrhages usually don’t require medical intervention and heal on their own. However, retinal haemorrhages may require injections, laser treatment, or medication to control underlying conditions. The ophthalmology department at Manipal Hospital Delhi NCR provides advanced treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.

A minor blood clot in the eye, such as a subconjunctival haemorrhage, generally heals within 1–2 weeks. No specific treatment is needed in most cases. However, if you notice persistent redness or visual disturbances, it's essential to get evaluated by an eye specialist at Manipal Hospital Delhi NCR to rule out serious causes.

If you're wondering how to get rid of a blood clot in your eye, the key is to rest your eyes, avoid strain, and use lubricating eye drops. For surface clots, time is usually the best healer. For retinal clots, early medical treatment is crucial. At Manipal Hospital Delhi NCR, eye specialists use advanced imaging and therapies to manage and speed up recovery from serious eye clots.

While a blood clot in the eye may look alarming, many are harmless and painless. However, if the clot affects the retina or causes vision changes, it can be serious. Conditions like retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Manipal Hospital Delhi NCR offers expert care and early intervention to minimise risk and preserve vision.

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