Should I stop getting Botox in my forehead if it is causing broken blood vessels in eye?

Question

I'm 29 and over the past year I have gotten 20 units of Botox in my forehead 3 times and about 2 weeks later I always wake up to a broken blood vessel in my right eye. It takes a week to go away and it's painless and I have no other side effects but should I be concerned? I'm considering getting a few units for crows feet and bunny lines but I worry I will end up with more broken blood vessels. What do you think?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  I am not sure what is causing the broken blood vessel in your eye but it is unlikely to be due to Botox administration.  I would see an ophthalmologist for an evaluation and to discuss possible reasons.  Hope this helps.

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

Broken capillaries in the eye, usually caused by subconjunctival hemorrhage. This usually occurs from like sneezing, coughing, straining, crying, vomiting, or rubbing your eyes. There has not been a documented connection between the use of Botox and broken capillaries in the eye. However with no clear cause and it recurring,  I would recommend you see your Opthalmologist who can conduct a thorough examination and evaluate causation. Best wishes.

Steven Costalas, DO · Answer

I see no link after Botox to cause this. Broken blood vessels can come spontaneously, after bearing down, and sneezing/ coughing. They usually are self contained, do not affect vision and re absorb with time.

Tianna Tsitsis, MD · Answer

Having broken blood vessels in your eye is not a side effect of Botox.  I would not be concerned about doing Botox in other locations, but I would see an Ophthalmologist to help determine the etiology of your recurring issue.  Good luck.

Mohammad Almohideb, MD · Answer

It is less likely and not reported in the literature. Please see your ophthalmologist for an assessment.

Should I stop getting Botox in my forehead if it is causing broken blood vessels in eye?

Answers (5)