Symptoms of a Blood Clot in the Eye

Blood clots in the eye may be ugly, but they are common occurrences. Most of them will be harmless, but some can indicate serious conditions that require immediate attention. In either case, it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms and know when to seek medical treatment.

Your Eye

• The main function of the eye is to take in light and focus it onto the retina. The retina is a light-sensitive tissue that lines the inside of the eyes and creates electrical impulses in response to the light. These impulses travel along the optical nerve to the brain, which then translates them into a picture.

Hyphema and Blood Clots

• A blood clot is a mass of blood cells that form when blood vessels break. The fact that blood cells clot, or stick together, is usually a benefit. Clotting prevents blood from leaking from vessels and you from losing large amounts of blood. However, blood clots that block normal circulation can cause damage to your organs and tissue. Hyphema is a condition in which blood has gotten between your cornea and iris. The blood clots together and forms a mass.

Common Symptoms

• The most common symptom of a blood clot in your eye is the clot itself, which often can be seen by others. However, depending on the location of the blood clot or the color of your eyes, it may not be that noticeable. Other symptoms include eye pain and blurry vision. The affected pupil might also become shaped differently than the one in the unaffected eye.

Blood Clots as Symptoms

• Eye blood clots are often a sign that your eye has gone through a trauma, such as being hit or pierced in some way. For example, an eye that has been poked hard or hit with a ball during sports may develop a blood clot. Blood clots in your eye can also be a sign of cancer or von Willebrand disease.

Seeing a Doctor

• In many cases, a blood clot in your eye will be reabsorbed into your body and go away on its own. Still, you should see a health care provider because your blood clot may be a symptom of something bigger. If you are taking any medication that may make you bleed easily, your health care provider will probably adjust your dosage or take you off of it. This will often cure the condition quickly. In cases where the eye clot persists, he may suggest surgery to remove it.