A burst blood vessel in the eye, also known as subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH), is a condition where a tiny blood vessel in the eye bursts, allowing a small amount of blood to leak onto the sclera, or the white part of the eye. This condition is usually harmless and goes away on its own within two weeks or so. The following actions may cause a small blood vessel to rupture in the eye:

• Violent coughing
• Powerful sneezing
• Straining
• Vomiting
• Roughly rubbing your eye
• Trauma, such as a foreign object injuring your eye
• Lifting, pushing, or bending forward
• Wearing contact lenses

Some health conditions can also be responsible for a burst blood vessel in the eye. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause this to happen even if a person is taking medication to manage the condition. Other vascular disorders, such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia, can also increase the risk. However, if someone has a burst blood vessel in the eye frequently, this may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment.