Noticing a yellowish tint in one or both eyes can be unsettling. While some causes are benign and resolve on their own, others may indicate a need for medical attention. Understanding the distinctions between localized and systemic causes can provide clarity.
Specific Eye Conditions Causing Localized Yellowing
A common reason for a yellowish appearance in one eye involves localized growths on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. A pinguecula is a non-cancerous yellowish patch or bump, typically composed of fat and protein deposits. These often develop on the nasal side of the eye, though they can occur on the temporal side. A pinguecula does not grow onto the cornea.
Another related condition is a pterygium, which can sometimes originate from a pinguecula. This fleshy, triangular-shaped growth begins on the conjunctiva and can extend onto the cornea. While it may appear yellowish, its distinguishing feature is its progression across the eye’s surface. Both pinguecula and pterygium are often linked to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, wind, or dust.
A temporary cause of localized yellowing is a resolving subconjunctival hemorrhage, commonly known as a “burst blood vessel.” Initially, this condition presents as a bright red patch on the white of the eye due to bleeding under the conjunctiva. As the blood breaks down and is reabsorbed, the red patch changes color, passing through yellow or greenish stages before disappearing. This color change is similar to how a bruise on the skin heals.
Less frequently, localized irritation or inflammation might result in a slight yellowish discoloration or yellowish discharge. This is generally not a primary cause of scleral yellowing itself. Such instances typically accompany other symptoms like redness or discomfort, indicating a localized inflammatory response.
Systemic Yellowing and Key Distinctions
When the whites of both eyes appear yellow, it typically signals a systemic issue. This widespread yellowing is medically termed jaundice, a condition that also causes yellowing of the skin. Jaundice occurs due to an excessive accumulation of bilirubin, a yellowish pigment formed when red blood cells break down.
Bilirubin is processed by the liver, and elevated levels often indicate problems with liver function or bile ducts. Conditions such as hepatitis, gallstones, or certain medications can impair the liver’s ability to excrete bilirubin. This leads to its buildup in the bloodstream and deposition in tissues throughout the body, including the sclera of the eyes.
The key distinction between localized eye yellowing and systemic jaundice is its widespread nature. Jaundice affects both eyes and often the skin, making it evident as a generalized bodily change. This contrasts with conditions like pinguecula or a resolving subconjunctival hemorrhage, which are confined to a single eye or a specific area of one eye.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Any unexplained or persistent yellowish discoloration in one or both eyes warrants a consultation with an eye care professional or general practitioner. Early diagnosis of any underlying condition is important for appropriate management. It is important to seek medical attention if the yellowing is accompanied by additional symptoms.
Specific symptoms that warrant professional evaluation include:
Eye pain
Changes in vision, such as blurry or double vision
Increased redness of the eye
Unusual discharge
Sensitivity to light
A foreign body sensation
If eye yellowing occurs alongside systemic symptoms like unexplained fatigue, nausea, dark urine, or generalized yellowing of the skin, immediate medical consultation is advisable. These broader symptoms suggest a systemic health issue requiring prompt assessment.