Red Eye

[Dave]

Anyone on Warfarin have problems with haemorrhage in one or both eyes? I have been taking warfarin for seven years for a mitral valve replacement, and in the last two or three years i get a blow out in one eye usually the same one. It seems to happen about every six months. It looks awful but it doesn't hurt and doesn't affect vision. I dread the day it happens in both eyes.
First time it happened, I raced off to the doctor who told me it was probably a side effect of the Warfarin, and not to worry it would clear up in a week or so. I have other freinds who are also on warfarin and it doesnt happen to them. I was wondering how common it is and if there is anything I can do about it.

 

[Ross]

I don't think it's that common, but it does happen from time to time. I'll let Mr. Lodwick tell what he knows.

 

[geebee]

I have had this a couple times. My doctor says the coumadin might make it look a little worse but that it is not caused by being on coumadin. It is merely a vessel that pops and looks worse because the eye is so visible.

 

[Missy]

I have had this happen a couple of times. Once I remember sleeping on my side and slightly rubbing my eye and got up the next morning with a red eye. It was so bad it took three weeks to heal. The next time was not so bad. The only thing I think could have caused it was the wind blowing in my face. I have learned to protect my eyes from everything. Otherwise I get small red spots just from innocent things like rubbing mascara off my eyelid. I have to be really gentle. The same thing applies to the rest of my body, like carrying plastic grocery bags on my arm or my purse leaves bruises on my forearms.

I am not sure if the red eye is like a bruise caused from those things or just comes because of the coumadin.

I hope that you find what is causing yours.

 

[Blanche]

My experience is the same as Gina's. I have been having blood spots in my eyes since I was a teen. There doesn't seem to be any reason or any pattern to them. My doctors, over the past 45+years, have said it's just a small blood vessel that ruptured. I started taking Coumadin last year, so I think something else caused the blood spots.

Still it's a pain when that happens. Hope yours clear-up soon for you.

Kind regards,
Blanche

 

[Natanni]

I work with eye surgeons now, and we do see subconjunctival hemmorhages every few weeks. We have seen them in pts that don't take warfarin also, but more common in people who take warfarin or aspirin. Often they will follow some activity with force behind it, like a coughing jag or straining to pick up something. They can last for many weeks.

 

[Adrienne]

I was on Coumadin for a year, and I got that in my right eye once.

 

[Dave]

Red Eye

Thanks guys, doesn't sound like there is any cure, and it is just something I will have to put up with from time to time. I take coated aspirin as well as Warfarin, maybe i should try it without the aspirin?
Or perhaps there is a talent scout out there looking for someone to play Dracula at Hollywood, I think i would easy get the part.

 

[Ross]

Dave if it's persistent and happening all the time, you might consult an opthamologist and see if they can't cauterize the bleeder.