What causes the whites of the eyes to appear blue?
Apr 02, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
In most cases, blue-tinged whites of the eyes may be caused by factors such as genetics, vitamin deficiency, scleritis, high blood pressure, or diabetes. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation and follow the doctor's advice for appropriate management. Genetics can be one possible cause of blue-tinged sclera. If family members have this condition, their relatives may inherit this trait.
Under normal circumstances, blue-tinged whites of the eyes may be caused by factors such as genetics, vitamin deficiency, scleritis, hypertension, or diabetes. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation and follow a doctor's advice for appropriate management. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Genetics: Heredity may be one possible cause of blue-tinted eye whites. If family members have this condition, relatives may inherit this trait. This is considered a normal physiological phenomenon.
2. Vitamin Deficiency: Deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin B12 and vitamin C may affect eye health, including the color of the sclera. A lack of these vitamins may lead to insufficient pigmentation in the sclera, making the whites of the eyes appear bluer. Consuming more vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious foods in daily life can help replenish essential nutrients.
3. Scleritis: Scleritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the scleral tissue, which may cause abnormal scleral coloration—such as a bluish-white appearance—making the eye whites look bluer. Treatment may include medications such as fluorometholone eye drops, dexamethasone sodium phosphate eye drops, or gatifloxacin eye drops, as prescribed by a physician.
4. Hypertension: High blood pressure may lead to pathological changes in the ocular blood vessels, including narrowing or distortion of retinal vessels. These changes may make the whites of the eyes appear bluer. Follow medical advice to manage the condition with medications such as irbesartan dispersible tablets, valsartan capsules, or losartan potassium tablets.
5. Diabetes: Diabetes may lead to eye complications such as diabetic retinopathy, which can affect the condition of ocular blood vessels and consequently influence the color of the eye whites. Medications such as acarbose capsules, insulin glargine injection, or insulin aspart injection may be used under a doctor’s guidance.
In daily life, it is advisable to use the eyes wisely and avoid prolonged mobile phone use, which helps maintain good eye health.
