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What is Eye Blood Called?

Published in Eye Bleeding Types 2 mins read

Eye blood isn't a single entity, but rather depends on where the bleeding occurs in the eye. Different locations have different names for the condition.

Types of Eye Bleeding

  • Hyphema: This refers to bleeding into the anterior chamber of the eye, the area where your eye color is located. As described by Cleveland Clinic, "A hyphema happens when blood fills the anterior chamber at the front of your eye." https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22586-hyphema It often appears as blood visibly mixing with the iris.

  • Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: This is a much more common type of eye bleeding. It's a broken blood vessel under the clear surface of your eye (conjunctiva), appearing as a bright red spot on the white part of the eye (sclera). Mayo Clinic notes that "a subconjunctival hemorrhage (sub-kun-JUNK-tih-vul HEM-uh-ruj) occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just underneath the clear surface of your eye". https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/subconjunctival-hemorrhage/symptoms-causes/syc-20353826

  • Vitreous Hemorrhage: Bleeding into the vitreous humor, the clear gel that fills most of the eye. This can cause floaters and vision loss. https://icrcat.com/en/eye-conditions/vitreous-hemorrhage/

  • Subretinal Hemorrhage: Bleeding under the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This is a more serious condition. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eye-bleeding

  • Submacular Hemorrhage: This is bleeding beneath the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.

Causes of Eye Bleeding

The cause of eye bleeding varies greatly depending on the type. Trauma is a common cause of hyphema. Subconjunctival hemorrhages often result from minor injuries, coughing, sneezing, or straining. Diabetic retinopathy, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions can also contribute to various forms of eye bleeding. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy