Seeing yellow in your vision, medically known as xanthopsia, means objects appear to have a yellow tint or hue. This visual change can be temporary or persistent, stemming from various underlying factors. It’s a distortion of color perception, not a change in the physical color of objects themselves.
Diverse Factors Contributing to Yellow Vision
A range of factors can contribute to yellow vision, from temporary events to medical conditions. Temporary instances might occur after staring at a bright light. Rubbing the eyes or applying pressure to the eyeball can also induce temporary yellow spots or flashes.
Certain medications can cause xanthopsia as a side effect. Digoxin, a heart medication, is a notable example; its toxicity can lead to a yellow-green visual distortion. Other drugs, including some antibiotics and quinine, may also affect color perception.
Ocular conditions can also lead to a yellow tint in vision. Cataracts are a common cause, where the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy and yellows with age. This yellowing lens acts like a filter. Retinal issues like retinal detachment or other retinal conditions can also manifest with yellow spots.
Systemic medical conditions can also influence vision. Jaundice, characterized by high levels of bilirubin in the blood, can cause the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. In rare cases, jaundice can lead to a yellow tint in vision due to bilirubin deposition in the eye. Liver disorders, which cause jaundice, are therefore linked to xanthopsia.
Neurological factors can sometimes involve visual disturbances, including altered color perception like yellow spots. Head injuries can also cause yellow spots. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or mini-strokes, can also lead to seeing yellow spots.
Recognizing Related Visual and Physical Changes
Yellow vision often appears alongside other visual or physical symptoms. Visual changes that may accompany a yellowish tint include blurred or hazy vision. Individuals might also experience increased sensitivity to light, notice halos around lights, or have difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.
Beyond visual alterations, various physical symptoms can present with xanthopsia. These can include fatigue and weakness. Nausea, abdominal pain, and changes in the color of the skin or whites of the eyes (sclera) to yellow are possible accompanying signs. Headaches or dizziness may also occur, especially in cases related to medication side effects or neurological events.
Indicators for Professional Medical Evaluation
Seeking professional medical evaluation for yellow vision is important. A sudden onset of yellow vision, or if the yellow tint persists or worsens over time, requires attention. Any yellow vision accompanied by pain, significant vision loss, or other concerning physical symptoms warrants a medical visit.
Symptoms like severe headaches, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, fever, nausea, or confusion alongside yellow vision should be reported. Experiencing yellow vision after a head injury or when starting new medications also requires medical assessment. Any instance where yellow vision impacts daily activities or causes distress indicates a professional medical opinion is needed.
Understanding Diagnosis and Care
When seeking medical attention for yellow vision, a doctor will take a detailed medical history, including current medications and pre-existing health conditions. This helps identify potential drug-related causes or underlying systemic diseases. A comprehensive eye examination will assess the eyes, helping rule out or confirm ocular issues like cataracts or retinal conditions.
Depending on the suspected cause, further diagnostic tests may be recommended. These can include blood tests to check liver function and bilirubin levels. Imaging scans such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs may also be used to examine organs like the liver, gallbladder, or brain.
Treatment for xanthopsia depends entirely on its underlying cause. If a medication is identified as the culprit, a doctor may adjust the dosage or discontinue the drug. For cataracts, surgical removal of the clouded lens and replacement with a clear artificial one is a common treatment.
If jaundice or a liver condition is the cause, treatment focuses on managing the underlying liver disease. For temporary, benign causes, reassurance and monitoring may be sufficient. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important for managing the condition and preserving vision.