Grey spots on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera, are discolored areas that can appear in various shapes and sizes. The sclera is the tough, protective outer layer of the eyeball, and while typically white, its appearance can change. These spots might be present from birth or develop over time. While many are benign and pose no health risk, some can signal underlying medical conditions requiring attention from an eye care professional.
Understanding Common Grey Spots
Many grey spots are common and usually do not indicate a serious health problem. They often represent normal anatomical variations or benign pigmented areas. One frequent cause is conjunctival melanosis, an increase in melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) within the conjunctiva, the transparent tissue covering the sclera. This condition often appears as a harmless patch of pigmentation, sometimes referred to as a “mole” or “freckle” on the eye.
Another common benign grey spot is a conjunctival nevus, similar to a freckle or mole on the skin. These nevi are concentrations of pigment cells, often present from birth or developing in early childhood. Their color can range from brown to blue to grey, depending on the pigment’s depth within the eye’s tissues. Such spots are typically stable, meaning they do not change significantly in size, shape, or color, and usually require only observation by an eye doctor.
Small grey-blue spots can also appear due to scleral melanocytosis, a harmless condition where pigment cells accumulate in the sclera. These are often considered birthmarks. Axenfeld spots are another example, typically small pigment deposits on the sclera. Monitoring by an eye care professional is recommended to ensure these benign conditions remain stable.
Specific Medical Causes
While many grey spots are harmless, some can indicate an underlying medical issue. Foreign bodies embedded in the conjunctiva can appear as grey or dark spots, causing irritation and discomfort. These need to be removed by a medical professional to prevent complications. Localized inflammation of the eye can also manifest as discolored areas.
Conditions like episcleritis, an inflammation of the episclera (the tissue layer between the conjunctiva and the sclera), can sometimes cause a greyish or bluish hue, though it is more commonly associated with redness. Scleritis, a more severe inflammatory disease of the sclera, can also lead to grey or purple discoloration. These inflammatory conditions can be painful and may require medical treatment to manage inflammation and prevent vision impairment.
Certain localized infections can also present with grey spots or changes in the sclera’s appearance. For instance, corneal ulcers or keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, can cause grey spots on the clear front part of the eye. These conditions may lead to complications if not treated promptly. In rare instances, grey spots can be a manifestation of systemic conditions or a sign of a precancerous condition, such as primary acquired melanosis (PAM), or conjunctival melanoma, a type of cancer.
Recognizing Concerning Symptoms
A grey spot on the white of the eye warrants evaluation by an eye care professional if it appears suddenly. Changes in an existing spot, such as growth in size or a noticeable alteration in shape or color, are also concerning signs that require immediate attention.
Accompanying symptoms indicate the need for medical assessment. These include pain or discomfort in the eye, persistent redness, or irritation. Other signs are discharge from the eye, increased sensitivity to light, or any changes in vision like blurriness. If a grey spot is accompanied by any of these symptoms, consulting an optometrist or ophthalmologist is advisable for proper diagnosis and appropriate care.
Medical Evaluation and Care
When a grey spot on the eye raises concern, an eye doctor typically conducts a comprehensive eye examination. This often includes a slit-lamp examination, which uses a specialized microscope with a bright light to view the eye’s structures in detail. This detailed view helps assess the spot’s size, shape, color, and depth, as well as checking for any associated inflammation or other abnormalities.
Depending on initial findings, the eye care professional may recommend additional diagnostic tests. These could include imaging techniques or, in some cases, a biopsy to determine the spot’s exact nature, especially if malignancy is suspected. Treatment approaches vary based on the diagnosis. For benign spots, observation with regular check-ups may be sufficient. If a foreign body is present, it will be carefully removed. For inflammatory or infectious causes, medications such as eye drops or oral drugs may be prescribed. In more serious cases, such as precancerous lesions or cancerous growths, referral to a specialist for further treatment, including surgical removal, may be necessary.