A white spot on the eye can be a surprising and unsettling observation. These visible changes on the eye’s surface or within its structures can arise from various underlying conditions, ranging from minor irritations to more significant health concerns. Understanding the potential reasons behind such a spot can help demystify its appearance.
Common Reasons for a White Spot
One frequent cause for a white spot is a corneal ulcer, an open sore on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. These ulcers often develop from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, sometimes triggered by minor eye injuries or improper contact lens hygiene. The white appearance results from inflammatory cells accumulating at the infection site, making the normally transparent cornea opaque.
Another common reason is the development of cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, located behind the iris and pupil. While often associated with aging, cataracts can also result from injury, certain medications, or other medical conditions. As proteins within the lens clump together, they scatter light and can appear as a white or cloudy area, obstructing clear vision.
A pinguecula might also present as a white or yellowish bump on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. This benign, non-cancerous growth is often linked to prolonged exposure to sunlight, wind, or dust.
A pterygium is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth that can extend from the conjunctiva onto the cornea. Similar to pinguecula, it is associated with excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, wind, and dust. While initially appearing yellowish or white on the conjunctiva, a pterygium can gradually grow across the cornea, potentially affecting vision if it reaches the pupil.
Other Potential Causes
A white spot can also indicate a corneal dystrophy, a group of genetic conditions affecting the cornea’s clarity. These inherited disorders cause materials to accumulate within the corneal layers, leading to haziness or specific white opacities.
A foreign body embedded in the cornea can cause inflammation and appear as a white spot. Particles like dust or metal can become lodged on the eye’s surface, triggering a localized inflammatory response. This reaction creates a visible white area around the foreign object.
General inflammation of the cornea, known as keratitis, can also manifest as haziness or a white appearance. This inflammation can stem from various causes, including infections, dry eye, or allergic reactions. The corneal tissue swells and loses its normal transparency, leading to a cloudy or white discoloration.
A distinct grayish-white arc or ring around the iris, known as arcus senilis or corneal arcus, can also be observed. This condition is related to aging, where lipid deposits accumulate in the peripheral cornea. While it forms a ring rather than a discrete spot, it appears white and is generally benign, though it can sometimes be associated with elevated cholesterol levels in younger individuals.
When to Seek Medical Attention
A white spot on your eye warrants evaluation by an eye care professional, especially if certain accompanying symptoms are present. A sudden onset of a white spot, or any rapid change in its size or appearance, should prompt immediate attention. Early assessment can help identify and manage conditions that may worsen quickly.
Accompanying symptoms such as pain, persistent redness, or irritation in the affected eye are indicators for seeking medical consultation. These signs often point towards an active inflammatory or infectious process that requires intervention. Ignoring such symptoms can lead to serious complications or permanent vision impairment.
Any changes in vision, including blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, or a decrease in visual acuity, are concerning. These visual disturbances suggest the white spot might be affecting the eye’s ability to focus light. Evaluation is necessary to preserve visual function and address the underlying cause.
Any discharge from the eye signals a potential infection that needs urgent medical review. If you have a history of recent eye injury, chemical exposure, or consistently wear contact lenses, a white spot should be evaluated without delay.
What to Expect at an Eye Exam
When you visit an eye care professional for a white spot, the examination will begin with a detailed history. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the spot, any associated pain, changes in vision, and your general medical history, including contact lens use. This information helps narrow down potential causes.
Following the discussion, a visual acuity test will assess the sharpness of your vision using an eye chart. This helps determine if the white spot is impacting your sight. The examination involves a slit lamp biomicroscopy, where the doctor uses a specialized microscope with a bright light to examine the front and internal structures of your eye.
During the slit lamp examination, the doctor can precisely locate the white spot and assess its size, shape, and depth within the eye’s tissues. They may also apply a fluorescein stain, an orange dye that glows under blue light, to the eye’s surface. This stain adheres to damaged areas of the cornea, making abrasions or ulcers more visible and helping to differentiate conditions.
If an infection is suspected, a small sample might be collected from the eye for a culture, which helps identify the specific microorganism. Treatment approaches for a white spot vary significantly and depend on the underlying diagnosis. Options can range from antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infections to surgical procedures for advanced cataracts or pterygium, or simply observation for benign conditions like pinguecula or arcus senilis.