A popped blood vessel in the eye, also known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when a tiny blood vessel breaks just underneath the clear surface of the eye (conjunctiva) . 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

Risk factors for a subconjunctival hemorrhage include diabetes, high blood pressure, certain blood-thinning medications, and a blood-clotting disorder. Broken blood vessels in the eye are usually harmless and do not require treatment. They typically disappear within two weeks or so. However, if you have recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhages or other bleeding, it is recommended to talk to your doctor.