Is there any way to reduce or remove a prominent red vein in the eye's sclera?

Question

I do not have dry eye or any other type of eye problems, but I recently developed a large red vein in my sclera from straining my eyes. Is there anything I can do to fix or help this? My eyes were the only part of my face that I liked, and now it seems that I'm stuck with an big, unsightly vein.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s important to distinguish between varicose veins and spider veins when choosing between laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and vein surgery. With two board certified vein specialists, our center uses a combination of visual examination, functional flow measurements, ultrasound, transillumination, and infrared light to map out vein networks prior to therapy. Lasers can be used to treat deep varicose vein insufficiency, vein perforators, and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is ideal for spider veins and reticular veins. Whereas surgery is reserved for severely incompetent varicose vein segments.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.This is a forum for cosmetic vein concerns and medical venous disease excluding urologic vein concerns and ophthalmologic vein problems. It would be best to consult an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) who should give you a proper diagnosis and outline for treatment. Hratch L Karamanoukian MD FACScertified vein specialist (from ABVLM) and double board certified surgeon

Albert Malvehy, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there are no good treatments for those capillaries we see on the white sclera of the eye. Make sure you don't have dry eye or another condition that is irritating your eye - this is more common than people think - and it's also treatable. Try saline drops and, if you're using contacts, make sure you are fastidious in caring for them.

Margaret Weiss, MD · Answer

An eye drop to temporarily constrict the blood vessels of the eye like Visine, may help.  The difficulty with laser is that the laser beam would likely affect the retina, which would be a problem.

Is there any way to reduce or remove a prominent red vein in the eye's sclera?

Answers (4)

Answer: Red veins on the sclera are hard to treat with laser--consult an opthalmologist or try Visine

Answer: Red veins on the sclera are hard to treat with laser--consult an opthalmologist or try Visine

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is there any way to reduce or remove a prominent red vein in the eye's sclera?

Answers (4)

Answer: Red veins on the sclera are hard to treat with laser--consult an opthalmologist or try Visine

Answer: Red veins on the sclera are hard to treat with laser--consult an opthalmologist or try Visine

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.