The presence of a yellow spot on the eye is generally not a sign of a serious problem, being in many cases related to benign changes in the eye, such as pinguecula or pterygium, for example, which may not even need treatment.
However, when the eye is yellow, it can also be a sign of slightly more serious problems, such as changes in the liver or gallbladder, which cause jaundice. Although jaundice usually turns the entire white part of the eye yellow, in some cases it can appear only as small patches that increase over time.
So, whenever there is an alteration in the eye it is very important to go to the ophthalmologist or a general practitioner to identify the correct cause, starting treatment if necessary.
1. Liver or gallbladder problems
Although jaundice caused by liver or gallbladder problems usually turns the entire white part of the eye yellow, there are some cases of people who begin to notice the presence of small yellow spots in the eye.
This change happens due to the excessive accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, which ends up leaving the eyes yellow, as well as the skin. At first, this symptom affects only the eyes, but then it can spread throughout the body. Other typical symptoms of liver problems include nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and excessive tiredness, for example.
What to do: If liver problems are suspected, consult a hepatologist or general practitioner to have blood tests or an ultrasound scan and identify whether there is indeed any change in the liver or bile ducts, initiating appropriate treatment. See what other symptoms of liver problems are and how treatment is done.
2. Ocular pinguecula
This is one of the most common causes of the appearance of a yellow spot on the white part of the eye and it happens due to the excessive growth of the tissue present in that region of the eye. For this reason, this is a type of stain that appears to have some relief.
The ocular pinguecula is not a serious problem and often does not even need treatment, as it may not cause any symptoms or complications. This change is more common in people who have been exposed to the sun for a long time or who have dry eye syndrome. Here are some ways to fight dry eye.
What to do: normally the pinguecula does not need a specific treatment, however, to confirm the diagnosis the best option is to consult an ophthalmologist. If symptoms appear, such as irritation or eye discomfort, the doctor may prescribe the application of some specific eye drops.
3. Pterygium in the eyes
The eye pterygium is very similar to the pinguecula, however, the growth of eye tissue can also happen over the retina, causing the appearance of a spot that is not only in the white part of the eye, but can also spread upwards eye color.
Although in these cases the alteration appears more pink, there are people who may have a more yellowish pterygium. This change is more common in men between the ages of 20 and 30 and can cause discomfort when opening and closing the eye, as well as vision problems.
What to do: in most cases the treatment of the pterygium is done by an ophthalmologist through the application of eye drops, however, surgery may also be recommended, if the tissue growth is very exaggerated. Therefore, if pterygium is suspected, it is very important to consult an ophthalmologist.
