The white part of the eye, known as the sclera, can sometimes take on a yellowish hue, a noticeable change that often prompts concern. Many individuals who wear contact lenses wonder if their vision correction method could be the cause of this discoloration. While contact lenses themselves do not directly cause systemic yellowing of the eyes, their use can be associated with or reveal underlying issues that result in an altered appearance of the sclera.
How Contacts Relate to Yellowing
Contact lenses can sometimes appear to make eyes look yellowish, but this is usually due to the lens itself changing color. Certain soft contact lens materials can absorb pigments from the tear film, such as proteins, lipids, and environmental substances like nicotine from smoke. This absorption leads to a yellowish or brownish tint on the lens surface, creating the perception of yellow eyes.
Improper contact lens use can also contribute to eye irritation and inflammation, indirectly altering the eye’s appearance. Extended wear, poor hygiene, or allergic reactions to lens materials or cleaning solutions can lead to conditions like conjunctivitis. While not causing true yellowing, severe inflammation can result in redness or a dull, discolored look, potentially leading to a perception of yellowness.
Wearing contact lenses might also obscure the early signs of an underlying eye condition or exacerbate an existing problem if hygiene practices are insufficient. Poor lens care can increase the risk of eye infections. While infections typically cause redness, discharge, or pain, the inflammatory response and accumulated debris can contribute to a discolored or unhealthy appearance.
Underlying Causes of Yellow Eyes
The most common and serious cause of true yellow eyes, a condition known as jaundice, is unrelated to contact lens use. Jaundice occurs when there is an excessive buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down, and it is normally processed by the liver and excreted from the body. When the liver is unable to process bilirubin efficiently, or if there is an obstruction in the bile ducts, bilirubin accumulates in the body, leading to yellowing of the skin and the sclera.
Medical conditions that can cause jaundice include hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), gallstones that block bile ducts, and certain medications that affect liver function. These conditions require prompt medical attention as they indicate a significant issue with liver health. Recognizing jaundice is important because it serves as a visible sign of an internal systemic problem rather than an isolated eye condition.
Beyond systemic issues, some eye-specific conditions can also cause a localized yellowish appearance on the sclera. Pinguecula and pterygium are non-cancerous growths on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. A pinguecula is a yellowish patch or bump, often found on the side of the eye closer to the nose, resulting from exposure to sun, wind, or dust. A pterygium is a fleshy growth that can extend onto the cornea and may also appear yellowish or reddish, sometimes resembling a wing shape. These conditions are distinct from jaundice and do not indicate systemic health problems.
Steps to Take for Eye Discoloration
If you notice your eyes appearing yellow, immediately remove your contact lenses. This allows for clear observation of the eye’s natural color, helping determine if the discoloration is on the lens itself or affects the sclera. After removal, observe your eyes for any changes in color over a few hours.
Carefully assess whether the yellowing persists after lens removal and if it is accompanied by other symptoms. Look for associated signs such as pain, redness, discharge, changes in vision, or systemic symptoms like fatigue, nausea, dark urine, or pale stools. These additional symptoms can provide important clues about the underlying cause of the discoloration.
Seek professional medical attention if the yellowing persists or is accompanied by any other concerning symptoms. Persistent yellowing of the sclera, particularly when combined with systemic symptoms, warrants an immediate visit to an eye care professional or a general practitioner. True yellow eyes can be a sign of a serious health problem requiring diagnosis and treatment.
Practicing proper contact lens hygiene is important to minimize the risk of eye irritation or infection that could lead to perceived discoloration. Always clean and store lenses according to your eye care professional’s instructions. Avoid sleeping in lenses unless specifically approved, and replace lenses as recommended. These guidelines help maintain eye health and reduce lens-related issues.