Irritation and Vascular Eye Issues in Hypermobile EDS Patients

Living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) means managing a range of symptoms that affect connective tissues throughout the body. One area that can be particularly sensitive is the eyes. If you have hEDS and notice a burst blood vessel along your iris, accompanied by irritation, itchiness, or a sensation like something is under your eye, it’s natural to wonder what’s causing these symptoms and how they relate to your condition.

Hypermobile EDS affects the body’s connective tissues, which include collagen fibers that provide strength and elasticity to skin, joints, blood vessels, and eyes. In hEDS, collagen is weaker or more fragile, which can lead to several eye-related issues:

• Fragile blood vessels: Blood vessels in the eye may be more prone to breaking or bursting, causing visible red spots or hemorrhages.

• Increased tissue laxity: The tissues supporting the eye and eyelids can be looser, leading to irritation or a feeling of something being under the eye.

• Dry eyes and inflammation: Collagen abnormalities can affect tear production and the surface of the eye, causing dryness, itchiness, and discomfort.

  
  

These factors combine to make the eyes vulnerable to irritation and vascular problems in hEDS patients.

A burst blood vessel in the eye, medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, happens when a tiny blood vessel breaks just beneath the clear surface of the eye (the conjunctiva). In hypermobile EDS, this can occur more easily due to:

• Fragile blood vessels: The weakened collagen in vessel walls makes them prone to rupture.

• Minor trauma or strain: Even small actions like rubbing the eye, coughing, sneezing, or straining can cause vessels to burst.

• Increased vascular fragility: The blood vessels in the iris and surrounding eye tissues may be more delicate, increasing the risk of bleeding.

  
  

While a burst vessel looks alarming, it usually does not affect vision and often heals on its own within one to two weeks.

The feeling of having something under the eye or irritation can be caused by several factors related to hEDS:

• Loose eyelid tissues: The connective tissue laxity can cause the eyelids to sag or not fit perfectly, leading to discomfort.

• Dryness and inflammation: Reduced tear quality or quantity can make the eye surface dry and itchy.

• Microvascular changes: Small blood vessel fragility can cause mild swelling or irritation beneath the eye.

• Minor hemorrhages or bruising: Blood leaking from fragile vessels can irritate surrounding tissues.

  
  

This sensation is often uncomfortable but can be managed with proper eye care and medical advice.

Close-up of an eye with a burst blood vessel along the iris, showing redness and irritation

Close-up of an eye with a burst blood vessel along the iris, showing redness and irritation

If you experience eye irritation and vascular problems related to hypermobile EDS, consider these practical steps:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes: This can worsen irritation and cause more blood vessels to break.

• Use lubricating eye drops: Artificial tears can relieve dryness and reduce itchiness.

• Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays.

• Apply cold compresses: A cool, damp cloth can reduce swelling and soothe irritation.

• Practice gentle eyelid hygiene: Clean eyelids with a mild cleanser to prevent inflammation.

• Monitor symptoms: Keep track of any changes, such as increased redness, pain, or vision changes.

  
  

  While many eye issues in hEDS are manageable at home, certain signs require prompt medical attention:

• Persistent or worsening redness and irritation

• Pain in or around the eye

• Changes in vision, such as blurriness or double vision

• Repeated or large hemorrhages

• Signs of infection, like discharge or swelling

  
  

An ophthalmologist can evaluate your eye health, rule out other causes, and recommend treatments tailored to your condition.

Eye symptoms are just one aspect of hypermobile EDS. Managing your condition holistically can help reduce complications:

• Regular check-ups: Routine visits with your healthcare provider can monitor your connective tissue health.

• Physical therapy: Strengthening muscles around joints and eyes can improve support.

• Healthy lifestyle: Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking support vascular health.

• Medication review: Some medications may affect blood vessels or eye health; discuss with your doctor.

  
  

By addressing eye issues alongside other symptoms, you can improve your quality of life and reduce discomfort. For me, I believe that aspirin has contributed to my blood vessel issues in the eye. Bleeding is already a problem for most HEDS patients and ASA just adds to that problem.