My brother was up for Christmas havent seen him in a while. While I was talking to him noticed something weird on his eyes. He has 2 yellow spots in each white part of the eyes on each side of the colored area. Says hes had it for a while and doesnt bother him so feels no need to see a doctor. Anyone ever hear of something like this or ever have this? Im a little concerned for him. Thanks in advance.
conflicting stories a bit.. but I think he should consult a physician as it could be severe liver damage... other explanation says it seems as though its unfixable from a doctors question line
-murph
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The yellow spots are caused from tiny blood vessels that have ruptured (a bruise) The blood is starting to break down and is being resorbed by the body. So it's like a bruise where at first it is blue, then green, then yellow then back to normal only because the vessels of the eye are so superficial it would be red then yellow.
If the entire white of the eye (called the sclera) is yellow then you're in big trouble. This is called icterus or jaundice and it means that 70% of your liver is kind of toast!
Now if the yellow or brown spots are in the iris, this indicates toxins in specific parts of the body (some call them drug spots). An entire science has evolved around this called Iridology. Fascinating stuff. I use these signs to give me an idea of what organs may be involved in disease processes when I examine my animal and human patients.
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Ask Dr. Beach: “What are these yellow spots on the white part of my eyes?”
I received this question from a facebook fan yesterday. And practicing in Virginia Beach, where outdoor activities are such an important part of our local culture, this is a pretty common question. The yellowish, slightly
Early Pingueculum
raised areas on the white part of the eye are called Pinguecula (pin-ˈgwek-ye-la). It’s a pretty funny word, but essentially they are areas of local tissue changes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light. The whitish parts of our eyes (conjunctiva) should be fairly soft, clear and flat. However, with repeated exposure to UV light, in the absence of sunglasses, parts of the conjunctiva are changed into a harder, denser nodule that takes on the yellow color that patients notice. Typically, pinguecula arise in older patients but they are not uncommon in younger adults who have a history of performing outdoor activities without wearing sunglasses.
Most often pinguecula do not produce symptoms beyond cosmetic annoyance. Although, sometimes pinguecula can develop inflammation and cause the eyes to become red and irritated. In these situations, artificial tears or prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops may be appropriate.
Advanced Pingueculum
There is no cure for pinguecula. Surgical removal isn’t advised because the nodules are benign and typically symptomless. The best course of action is UV-blocking sunglasses to prevent progression in size of the yellow nodules. With continued UV exposure, pinguecula may evolve into pterygia (tuh-rij-ee-uh) which can cause vision problems.
Pterygium
Pterygia are essentially ingrowths of vascular and fibrous material onto the surface of the cornea. These areas can become inflammed and swollen, causing mild to moderate episodes of discomfort. But more importantly, the progression of Pterygia into the center part of the cornea will result in reduced vision and necessitate surgical removal by a corneal specialist.
Thanks for the question and remember that every time you go outside to enjoy Hampton Road’s many activities to grab your sunblock and UV-blocking sunglasses (and probably a bottle or two of water!)
-murph
_________________________________
The yellow spots are caused from tiny blood vessels that have ruptured (a bruise) The blood is starting to break down and is being resorbed by the body. So it's like a bruise where at first it is blue, then green, then yellow then back to normal only because the vessels of the eye are so superficial it would be red then yellow.
If the entire white of the eye (called the sclera) is yellow then you're in big trouble. This is called icterus or jaundice and it means that 70% of your liver is kind of toast!
Now if the yellow or brown spots are in the iris, this indicates toxins in specific parts of the body (some call them drug spots). An entire science has evolved around this called Iridology. Fascinating stuff. I use these signs to give me an idea of what organs may be involved in disease processes when I examine my animal and human patients.
__________________________
Ask Dr. Beach: “What are these yellow spots on the white part of my eyes?”
I received this question from a facebook fan yesterday. And practicing in Virginia Beach, where outdoor activities are such an important part of our local culture, this is a pretty common question. The yellowish, slightly
raised areas on the white part of the eye are called Pinguecula (pin-ˈgwek-ye-la). It’s a pretty funny word, but essentially they are areas of local tissue changes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light. The whitish parts of our eyes (conjunctiva) should be fairly soft, clear and flat. However, with repeated exposure to UV light, in the absence of sunglasses, parts of the conjunctiva are changed into a harder, denser nodule that takes on the yellow color that patients notice. Typically, pinguecula arise in older patients but they are not uncommon in younger adults who have a history of performing outdoor activities without wearing sunglasses.
Most often pinguecula do not produce symptoms beyond cosmetic annoyance. Although, sometimes pinguecula can develop inflammation and cause the eyes to become red and irritated. In these situations, artificial tears or prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops may be appropriate.
There is no cure for pinguecula. Surgical removal isn’t advised because the nodules are benign and typically symptomless. The best course of action is UV-blocking sunglasses to prevent progression in size of the yellow nodules. With continued UV exposure, pinguecula may evolve into pterygia (tuh-rij-ee-uh) which can cause vision problems.
Pterygia are essentially ingrowths of vascular and fibrous material onto the surface of the cornea. These areas can become inflammed and swollen, causing mild to moderate episodes of discomfort. But more importantly, the progression of Pterygia into the center part of the cornea will result in reduced vision and necessitate surgical removal by a corneal specialist.
Thanks for the question and remember that every time you go outside to enjoy Hampton Road’s many activities to grab your sunblock and UV-blocking sunglasses (and probably a bottle or two of water!)
