Why are some people's whites of the eyes light blue?
Sep 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
In general, a light blue appearance of the whites of the eyes may be related to physiological factors, familial genetics, iron deficiency, scleritis, or choroidal hemangioma. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, it may also be associated with conditions such as osteogenesis imperfecta or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. If patients experience any discomfort or symptoms, prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is recommended.
Under normal circumstances, a pale blue appearance of the whites of the eyes may be related to physiological factors, heredity, iron deficiency, scleritis, or choroidal hemangioma. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
In newborns, the sclera (the white part of the eye) is naturally thin at birth, which allows the underlying color of the choroidal blood vessels to show through, resulting in a bluish tint. As the child grows, the sclera gradually thickens to adult levels, and the blue hue typically fades without requiring any special treatment.
2. Heredity
If one parent has blue-tinged whites of the eyes, their children may inherit this trait. If no significant discomfort or symptoms are present, specific treatment is generally unnecessary.
3. Iron Deficiency
Prolonged picky eating habits and insufficient meat intake may lead to iron deficiency. This can cause scleral atrophy and thinning, resulting in a pale blue appearance of the whites of the eyes. Patients may take medications such as compound ferrous sulfate granules or ferrous fumarate granules as directed by a physician.
4. Scleritis
Inflammation of the sclera can alter its structure and weaken its thickness, leading to a bluish discoloration of the eye whites. Patients may be prescribed medications like ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets under medical supervision.
5. Choroidal Hemangioma
A small number of patients develop abnormal vascular masses in the choroid due to congenital developmental abnormalities. When blood accumulates within these vascular clusters, it may become visible through the sclera as a pale blue tint, often accompanied by vision loss. Currently, there are no specific drugs effective for treating choroidal hemangioma. Patients may consider treatments such as radiation therapy, laser photocoagulation, or transpupillary thermotherapy under the guidance of a physician.
In addition, this condition may also be associated with osteogenesis imperfecta, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and other factors. If patients experience any discomfort or symptoms, they should seek timely medical evaluation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
