A white dot in the eye can be an alarming observation. While some instances are harmless, others indicate underlying conditions requiring prompt medical attention. Understanding potential causes is important, but always seek professional medical advice rather than attempting self-diagnosis.
Common Causes of a White Dot
A frequent reason for a white dot is a corneal ulcer or infection. These open sores on the cornea often result from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Individuals may also experience pain, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. Contact lens wearers are at higher risk, particularly if hygiene is not maintained or lenses are overworn.
Foreign bodies in the eye can also cause a white spot. A small particle, like dust, sand, or a metallic fragment, can embed itself in the cornea or conjunctiva, causing irritation. The eye’s reaction may manifest as a white spot or localized inflammation around the lodged particle.
Previous injuries, infections, or inflammation can leave permanent white scar tissue on the cornea, perceived as a static white dot. Unlike an active infection, a scar typically does not present with new pain or worsening symptoms.
Benign deposits of calcium or cholesterol can also accumulate in the cornea, appearing as white spots. These deposits are often not associated with significant symptoms unless they obstruct vision. Their presence usually indicates a slow, non-inflammatory process.
Less Common Conditions
Inflammation inside the eye, known as uveitis, can cause white dots on the cornea. These deposits, called keratic precipitates (KPs), are collections of inflammatory cells. KPs vary in appearance and often settle at the bottom of the cornea due to gravity. Other symptoms include eye pain, redness, and light sensitivity.
An early opacity in the lens might occasionally be perceived as a distinct white spot behind the pupil. While cataracts are generally associated with broader vision clouding, some individuals may notice a localized white area, especially when light hits the eye from certain angles. This initial stage may not significantly impact overall vision.
Corneal dystrophies are genetic conditions causing various deposits or structural changes within the cornea over time. These changes can manifest as white spots or opacities. Their specific appearance and progression depend on the type of dystrophy, with some leading to gradual vision impairment.
Hypopyon, a more serious sign of severe inflammation or infection, occurs when pus collects in the front chamber of the eye. This collection of white blood cells forms a distinct white or yellowish layer that settles at the bottom of the anterior chamber, appearing as a visible white mass. Hypopyon indicates a significant immune response and often accompanies blurred vision, eye pain, and redness.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
Recognizing when a white dot in the eye warrants immediate professional medical attention is important. A sudden appearance, particularly if it develops quickly, should prompt a visit to an eye care professional. This is especially true if accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Any new pain, redness, or discharge from the eye along with the white spot indicates a potential infection or serious inflammation requiring prompt evaluation. Changes in vision, such as blurring, haziness, or decreased clarity, are also warning signs. Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) can suggest an underlying inflammatory process.
Individuals with a history of eye injury or contact lens wearers should be particularly vigilant. If the white dot appears to be growing, changing in size or shape, or if accompanying symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek timely medical advice. These signs suggest an evolving condition needing professional assessment to prevent potential complications.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When a person visits an eye care professional for a white dot, diagnosis typically begins with a comprehensive eye examination. A slit-lamp examination uses a specialized microscope with a bright light to examine the eye’s front structures (cornea, iris, lens) and visualize the white dot.
Further diagnostic tests may be performed based on initial findings. Corneal staining can highlight abrasions, ulcers, or other corneal surface irregularities. If an infection is suspected, the doctor might take a sample (culture) from the eye to identify the specific microorganism, guiding targeted treatment.
Treatment approaches for a white dot depend entirely on the diagnosed cause. For bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, specific antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops are prescribed. Steroid eye drops may reduce inflammation after an infection clears, but require caution and close supervision due to potential side effects like increased intraocular pressure and cataract formation.
If a foreign body is present, it will be carefully removed using specialized tools, often under magnification at a slit lamp. For conditions like uveitis or corneal dystrophies, managing the underlying inflammation or genetic condition is the primary focus. In rare and severe cases of extensive scarring or damage that significantly impair vision, surgical interventions like a corneal transplant may be considered as a last resort to restore sight.