Gina Johnson
Seeing red dots when you close your eyes or in low light can be caused by a phenomenon known as visual snow. This occurs because the cones in your eyes, which detect colour, continue to send signals to the brain, which interprets them as red and green flashes. These flashes can also be caused by high-energy cosmic rays hitting the retina, as experienced by astronauts on the Apollo mission.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Petechiae |
| Description | Small red dots with a white center that usually appear around the eyes |
| Size | Less than 2 mm in diameter |
| Appearance | Resemble a rash with the potential to also look purple or brown |
| Location | Aside from under the eyes, can also appear on the neck or the chest |
| Cause | Can be caused by activities, illnesses, and medicines |
| Danger | Not indicative of eye disease and not typically dangerous |
| Treatment | Not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms |
| Vision | Not mentioned |
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What You'll Learn
Red dots in eyes can be caused by straining, coughing, or vomiting
Red dots in the eyes, known as petechiae, are usually harmless and not a cause for concern. They are small red dots, sometimes with a white centre, that appear around the eyes and can resemble a rash. Petechiae are caused by bleeding beneath the skin when blood vessels break under the skin. They can be caused by certain activities, illnesses, and medications. Straining, coughing, or vomiting can lead to petechiae around the eyes due to the physical strain causing a temporary spike in blood pressure and resulting in burst blood vessels. This can be alarming, but it is typically not serious and usually clears up without treatment within a few days to a few weeks.
While petechiae themselves are not indicative of eye disease, they can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. In rare cases, they can be a sign of bacterial infections, especially when accompanied by a fever. In such cases, immediate medical attention is required. Additionally, petechiae in sick children or the development of purpura, which is larger patches of discoloured skin formed by the merging of petechiae, also warrant immediate medical care.
It is important to note that red dots in the eyes can also be related to other conditions, such as conjunctival amyloidosis, which causes pink or yellow lesions on the eye or inside the eyelid due to protein accumulation. Furthermore, underlying conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing eye-related complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to irreversible vision loss.
If you are experiencing red dots in your eyes accompanied by other symptoms or if they persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult an eye health professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance on management or treatment options.
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They can also be caused by an injury to the eye
Red dots in the eyes, known as petechiae, are usually not a cause for concern. They are tiny red dots, sometimes with a white centre, that appear around the eyes. They can also appear on the neck or chest and may show up as dark brown spots on darker skin tones.
Petechiae are typically caused by bleeding beneath the skin, and can be triggered by various activities, illnesses, and medications. In some cases, they can indicate a serious medical condition. For example, a study found that 25% of people who developed a fever along with petechiae on their upper torso had a bacterial infection.
In the case of an injury to the eye, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if there is blood in the eyeball or if there is a history of high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder. Eye injuries can sometimes result in serious complications, so prompt medical attention is advised.
If you experience red dots in your eyes after an eye injury, it is important to consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They will be able to determine if the red dots are related to the injury and provide appropriate care.
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Red dots may be a result of an allergic reaction or infection
Red dots in the eyes, known as petechiae, are usually harmless and not a cause for concern. They are described as small red dots, sometimes with a white centre, that appear around the eyes and can also manifest on the neck or chest. They are caused by bleeding beneath the skin and are usually attributed to certain activities, illnesses, or medications.
In some cases, petechiae can indicate a serious medical concern. For instance, a study found that 25% of people who developed a fever alongside petechiae on their upper torso had a bacterial infection. Additionally, petechiae are a common symptom of meningococcal infection, present in 50-70% of cases. If a child develops petechiae with a fever, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Allergic reactions and infections can also cause red spots to appear in the eyes. For example, conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," is an infection of the clear tissue lining the eyelids and covering the surface of the eye. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses and may result in eye redness and itching, discharge, pain, or vision problems. Blepharitis, an inflammation along the edge of the eyelid, can also cause eye redness and irritation.
While red dots in the eyes are typically harmless, it is important to be aware of any accompanying symptoms that could indicate a more serious condition. If you experience eye pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, or unusual discharge, it is recommended to consult an eye doctor or seek medical attention.
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They can be caused by certain medications
Red dots around the eyes, known as petechiae, are usually not a cause for concern. They are small red dots, sometimes with a white centre, that appear under the eyes. Petechiae can also appear on the neck or chest and can show up as dark brown spots on darker skin tones.
Petechiae are caused by bleeding under the skin when blood vessels break. They can be triggered by activities, illnesses, and certain medications. A study showed that 50% to 70% of cases were caused by a meningococcal infection.
While petechiae are typically not dangerous, they can indicate a serious medical concern in some cases. For example, a study found that 25% of people who developed a fever and petechiae on their upper torso had a bacterial infection. If a child develops petechiae with a fever, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, if the red dots are turning into purpura, which are larger patches of discoloured skin, medical help should be sought.
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Red dots in eyes can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition
Red dots around the eyes, known as petechiae, are usually not a cause for concern. They are small red dots, sometimes with a white centre, that can also appear on the neck or chest. They are caused by bleeding beneath the skin and can be triggered by activities, illnesses, and medications.
However, there are times when they can indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. For example, a study found that 25% of people who developed a fever and petechiae on their upper torso had a bacterial infection. In most cases, petechiae are one of many symptoms indicating a serious condition. If a child develops petechiae with a fever, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop red spots while experiencing any of the following:
- A fever
- A sore throat
- A headache
- A cough
- Shortness of breath
- A stiff neck
- Joint pain
- A rash
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Back pain
- Light sensitivity
- A feeling of being generally unwell
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with red dots in your eyes, it is important to consult a medical professional for further evaluation and potential treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
These red (and green or purple) dots are signals from your eyes and brain, which is trying to make sense of things. Your vision is never fully off, so your eyes still send signals to your brain, which are interpreted as red, green, or purple dots.
Petechiae are small red dots that appear around the eyes, usually less than 2 mm in diameter. They can be caused by activities, illnesses, or medications. They are not typically dangerous or indicative of eye disease, but they can be a serious medical concern in some cases.
If you develop petechiae alongside a fever, seek immediate medical attention. If you are a child, or are sick, and develop petechiae or purpura, seek immediate medical care.
