A white dot on the eye can be a source of concern, but many underlying causes are manageable conditions. This article provides general information regarding common reasons for white dots on the eye. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Understanding Common Causes of White Dots
Several conditions can lead to a white dot on the eye, each with distinct characteristics. A corneal ulcer, or keratitis, is an open sore on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This ulcer appears as a white or grayish spot and can result from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, or an eye injury.
A pinguecula is a yellowish-white patch or bump on the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye. These non-cancerous growths appear on the white part of the eye near the cornea, often closer to the nose. Pingueculae are associated with long-term exposure to sunlight, wind, and dust, and consist of protein, fat, or calcium deposits.
A pterygium is a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth of the conjunctiva that can extend from the white part of the eye onto the cornea. This growth may be whitish or pinkish with visible blood vessels. A pterygium can affect vision if it grows large enough to cover the pupil. Both pinguecula and pterygium are linked to prolonged ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.
Lumps on the eyelid, such as a chalazion or stye, can appear as a white spot on the eyelid margin. A chalazion is a usually painless lump caused by a blocked oil gland, while a stye is a painful, red bump caused by an infection of an eyelash follicle. Though eyelid conditions, their proximity can be perceived as a white spot affecting the eye.
Previous injuries, infections, or surgical procedures can leave a permanent white mark on the cornea, known as a corneal scar. These scars appear as opaque spots and can block or distort light, potentially affecting vision. A small object embedded in the eye, or a foreign body, can also be seen as a white or reflective spot. These objects can cause irritation or more significant injury.
Recognizing Accompanying Symptoms and When to Seek Care
A white dot on the eye, especially with other symptoms, warrants prompt attention from an eye care professional. Immediate evaluation is important if the dot shows sudden onset or rapid changes. Pain or discomfort in the eye indicates that medical care is necessary.
Redness or inflammation of the eye is another symptom requiring professional assessment. Vision changes, such as blurring, decreased clarity, or dark spots, also signal a medical visit is appropriate. Sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, can accompany a white dot and indicates an underlying issue.
Other concerning symptoms include eye discharge or a persistent sensation of a foreign body. These signs, alongside a white dot, suggest that delaying an examination could lead to serious complications. Seeking timely care allows for proper diagnosis and helps prevent long-term vision problems.
How Eye Conditions Are Diagnosed and Managed
When a white dot prompts a visit to an eye care professional, diagnosis begins with a thorough eye examination. The eye doctor uses a slit lamp, a specialized microscope, to closely examine eye structures like the cornea, iris, and conjunctiva. This allows the doctor to identify abnormalities, injuries, or growths.
The professional will also take a comprehensive patient history, asking about symptoms, their duration, and relevant medical history. If infection or corneal damage is suspected, further tests may be conducted. Fluorescein staining, where an orange dye is applied to the eye’s surface, can highlight damaged areas or foreign bodies on the cornea that absorb the dye and appear green. A sample from an ulcer might also be collected and cultured to identify the microorganism causing an infection.
Management strategies for a white dot on the eye vary significantly depending on the underlying cause. For some benign conditions, such as small pingueculae, observation may be sufficient, with treatment only necessary if symptoms arise. If an infection is present, medications such as antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal eye drops are commonly prescribed to treat the specific pathogen. Anti-inflammatory eye drops might also be used to reduce irritation and swelling.
In cases of foreign bodies, the object may be carefully removed by the eye care professional. Growths like a pterygium that affect vision or cause persistent discomfort may require surgical intervention, though surgery is generally reserved for when other treatments are insufficient. Adhering to the prescribed treatment plan and attending follow-up appointments are important for effective management and recovery.