Should You Be Worried About Symmetrical Hemorrhages in the Eyes?
I'm an 18-year-old with a typical height and weight. Recently, I found myself nearly choking on some food, and shortly after, I noticed what seems to be mild hemorrhaging in both of my eyes. While I suspect that this could be attributed to coughing a lot, vomiting, and possibly rubbing my eyes, the fact that it is symmetrical raises some concerns for me. Aside from this, I don't experience any significant symptoms aside from chronic issues related to digestion and allergies. I'm unsure if I need to consult a doctor since I feel fine otherwise. What do you think?
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 6:02:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the presence of symmetrical hemorrhages in your eyes, especially following the incident of choking and the symptoms you described. This type of bleeding, known as subconjunctival hemorrhage, can sometimes occur due to stress on the blood vessels in the eye, which might stem from coughing, straining, or even minor trauma, like rubbing your eyes.
Explanation
Subconjunctival hemorrhage appears as a bright red patch on the white part of the eye and is usually harmless. It's commonly caused by sudden changes in pressure in the eyes or head, such as from severe coughing or sneezing. The fact that the hemorrhages are symmetrical and you're not experiencing pain, significant vision changes, or other alarming symptoms is a reassuring sign.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Eyes: Keep an eye on the hemorrhages. They usually resolve on their own within one to two weeks. If you notice any changes, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or vision changes, that would warrant further attention.
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Identify Triggers: Since you mentioned chronic issues related to digestion and allergies, make an effort to identify any specific triggers that may be contributing to the coughing or straining that led to the hemorrhages. This might involve a closer look at your eating habits or managing your allergies more effectively.
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Practice Eye Care: Avoid rubbing your eyes and ensure you’re not putting unnecessary strain on them. Keeping your allergies under control can also minimize irritation that might lead to rubbing.
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Stay Hydrated and Eat Mindfully: Stay hydrated to facilitate digestion and chew food thoroughly to prevent choking incidents. This can potentially reduce the straining and coughing that might lead to similar issues in the future.
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Follow Up if Needed: If the symptoms persist beyond a couple of weeks or if any new symptoms arise, consider seeking medical advice for a thorough evaluation.
While it’s a good sign that you feel mostly fine, listening to your body is important. If you ever feel unsure about your symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out for professional advice.
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