What was wrong with Joe Biden's eye?

Many people were shocked to see Joe Biden's eye turn blood red during the last debate on CNN. It looked scary. What was that? Is he going to be OK? 

First: it was a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The conjunctiva is a thin clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye. There is a very thin space between the conjunctiva and the white part of the eye. If you get a bleed in that space, even just a few drops of blood, capillary action will cause the blood to spread to cover a large part of the eye. It looks scary! 

Second: Mr Biden should be ok. Subconjunctival hemorrhages are almost always idiopathic. That is we don't know why they happen and they're nothing to worry about: almost like a nose bleed. Rarely, they can be associated with high blood pressure. However, it is wise to have your eye doctor check your eye and be sure there is nothing more serious going on. If they're chronic in nature it would be smart to check your blood pressure.

Dr Boyer and Dr Brian can answer and help you with your concerns. Call for an appointment at Dr Boyer Optometrist