Yellow spots on the eyes can understandably cause apprehension. While some instances of yellowing point to minor, localized eye conditions, others may signify more serious underlying health issues. Understanding the distinctions between these presentations is important.
Understanding Different Types of Yellow Spots on the Eye
Yellow spots appearing on the eyes can be categorized into two distinct types, each signaling different underlying causes. One type involves localized, raised yellow or brownish growths on the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. These growths are typically confined to the eye’s surface.
The other type involves a more uniform yellowing of the entire white part of the eye, the sclera. These differences point to distinct medical conditions. Localized growths relate to environmental factors affecting the eye, while widespread yellowing often indicates a systemic health issue.
Localized Yellow Growths on the Eye
Yellowish growths on the white part of the eye are commonly identified as pingueculae or pterygia, both non-cancerous. A pinguecula presents as a yellowish patch or bump, found on the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye), usually near the cornea’s edge, and does not typically grow onto the cornea.
A pterygium, also known as “surfer’s eye,” is a fleshy, wing-shaped growth that can resemble a pinguecula but can grow across the cornea. Both are linked to prolonged UV radiation exposure, chronic irritation from wind and dust, and dry eyes.
Symptoms include irritation, dryness, redness, and a foreign body sensation. If a pterygium grows over the pupil, it can distort the cornea, potentially causing blurred vision or astigmatism.
Pingueculae often require no specific treatment if symptoms are mild or absent. Lubricating eye drops can alleviate discomfort, dryness, or foreign body sensation. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat offers protection and can help prevent progression. For severe irritation or inflammation, steroid eye drops or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed. Surgical removal is an option if they cause significant discomfort, interfere with vision, or lead to cosmetic concerns.
Overall Yellowing of the Eyes
When the entire white part of the eyes, the sclera, appears uniformly yellow, it is a sign of jaundice. This discoloration occurs due to an elevated level of bilirubin in the bloodstream, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia. Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced when old red blood cells naturally break down. The liver normally processes this bilirubin, making it water-soluble for excretion, primarily through stool, which gives stool its brown color.
Jaundice develops when the liver cannot effectively process or remove bilirubin. This accumulation can symptomize various underlying medical conditions, most commonly affecting the liver, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease. Gallbladder or bile duct issues, like gallstones blocking bile flow, can also lead to bilirubin buildup.
Other symptoms often accompany jaundice, providing clues to the underlying cause. These may include dark urine (from bilirubin excretion through kidneys) and pale stools (indicating bilirubin not reaching intestines). Individuals might also experience skin itching, fatigue, nausea, or abdominal pain, depending on the specific cause.
Jaundice is a symptom signaling an underlying medical problem requiring investigation. Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure bilirubin levels and assess liver function, along with imaging studies of the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause, whether medication for liver conditions, gallstone removal, or other specific interventions.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a doctor for any changes in your eyes, especially yellow spots or discoloration. For localized growths like pingueculae or pterygia, see an eye care professional if you experience significant irritation, persistent redness, pain, or vision changes. Rapid growth or interference with contact lens wear also warrants evaluation.
Any overall yellowing of the eyes, indicating jaundice, requires prompt medical evaluation. This symptom often points to serious underlying health issues affecting the liver or bile ducts, requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment. Ignoring jaundice can lead to complications, making professional assessment important. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of any eye changes, whether localized or systemic, can help manage the condition and prevent further problems.