There is a yellow substance on the white part of the eye.
Sep 08, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
Yellow spots on the white of the eye may be caused by aging, allergies, conjunctivitis, pinguecula, scleritis, or other reasons. Appropriate management should be chosen based on the specific cause. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment under a doctor's guidance. During treatment, avoid prolonged eye use to prevent eye strain and worsening of discomfort symptoms.
Yellow spots on the white of the eye may be caused by aging, allergies, conjunctivitis, pinguecula, or scleritis. Different causes require different treatments.
1. Aging
With increasing age, localized pigment deposition may occur, leading to yellowing of the whites of the eyes. This typically does not require special treatment.
2. Allergies
If the eyes are exposed to allergens such as pollen or animal dander, an allergic reaction may result in increased eye discharge that accumulates on the eye surface, causing yellowing of the whites of the eyes along with symptoms like tearing and light sensitivity. Antiallergy medications such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, or ebastine tablets may be used as directed by a physician.
3. Scleritis
Scleritis may be caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, or associated with autoimmune diseases, leading to lipid deposition or degeneration in the conjunctival blood vessels. Symptoms may include scleral congestion and swelling. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory eye drops such as loteprednol etabonate-bacitracin ophthalmic suspension, sodium hyaluronate eye drops, or carboxymethylcellulose sodium eye drops under medical guidance to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In cases involving necrotic tissue or scleral perforation, procedures such as posterior scleral reinforcement or scleral grafting may be recommended by a doctor.
4. Conjunctivitis
Bacterial infection may cause conjunctivitis, resulting in conjunctival congestion and the production of large amounts of yellow purulent discharge, which can make the whites of the eyes appear yellow. This is often accompanied by eyelid swelling and eye pain. Antibiotic eye drops such as chloramphenicol eye drops, tobramycin eye drops, or levofloxacin eye drops may be prescribed to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
5. Pinguecula
Prolonged exposure to high-intensity ultraviolet light or high cholesterol levels in the body may lead to pinguecula, which results from degeneration and overgrowth of conjunctival tissue. Treatment may include dexamethasone sodium phosphate eye drops, kanamycin eye drops, or ofloxacin eye ointment as directed by a physician. For persistent or resistant pinguecula unresponsive to medication, surgical excision under microscopic guidance may be recommended.
It is advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment under professional supervision. During treatment, avoid prolonged eye use to prevent eye strain and worsening of symptoms.
