Broken blood vessel in eye

[scubagirl06]

I did something Tuesday your mom told you never to do. I supressed a sneeze and it broke a blood vessel in my eye. So I have a really, really red eye. On Labor Day I was planning on diving is this something I should not do? Will diving make it worse? I am fresh water diving in a Quarry so it won't be real deep. Some have told me no problem and others do think I should.....does anyone know for sure?

[TSandM]

If this is a subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in the white of the eye), as long as you equalize your mask well, it should present no issue at all with diving. The diagnostic criteria for a subconjunctival hemorrhage are that it is painless, bright red, doesn't extend into or over the cornea (the clear part covering the colored area (iris) of the eye), isn't due to any significant trauma, and doesn't affect vision.

It is not possible for anybody to diagnose your eye issue well over the internet. But that's the best information I can give you.

[DocVikingo]

Hi Scubagirl06,

What is described sounds much like subconjunctival hemorrhaging as described by TSandM.

Given that there is no significant itching, swelling, discomfort, visual disturbance or incursion into the corneal area, the expectation is that the redness will resolve (the blood will be absorbed) without treatment or residua.

If the condition does involve itching, swelling, discomfort, visual disturbance or alters for the worse in any fashion, medical attention would be prudent.

If diving, be alert to the possibility of mask squeeze:

Mask Squeeze
DAN Divers Alert Network

And remember, it can always be worse----> British Sub-Aqua Club Photo http://www.bsac14.org.uk/photo/masksq2w.jpg

Helpful?

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

[scubagirl06]

Thanks everyone yep what I do have is subconjunctival hemorrhaging I went to my physician when it started to appear just to be sure. No issues other then it is red. DocVikingo my one eye does look very similar to the picture you attached. Thanks for reminding me it could be worse. I told someone today if it had occurred in both eyes I could tell people I have new colored contacts call "demonic red". I think I will wait till I wake up to see if any of it has cleared up on Labor Day. Thanks to you and TsandM for your opinions!!!

[SterlingDiver]

if this is a subconjunctival hemorrhage (broken blood vessel in the white of the eye), as long as you equalize your mask well, it should present no issue at all with diving. The diagnostic criteria for a subconjunctival hemorrhage are that it is painless, bright red, doesn't extend into or over the cornea (the clear part covering the colored area (iris) of the eye), isn't due to any significant trauma, and doesn't affect vision.

It is not possible for anybody to diagnose your eye issue well over the internet. But that's the best information i can give you.

.......like she said.