Discoloration of the whites of the eyes can occur for several reasons. An eye examination is crucial for a proper diagnosis. Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler of Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills explains ways in which the eyes become less white and how WhiterEyes® Conjunctivoplasty can restore a white sclera.
Yellowing Sclera
The sclera is the white of the eye. It surrounds the iris, the eye’s colored part. The sclera’s color is an indication of overall health.
If the entire sclera is yellow, the patient may suffer from jaundice. This condition develops when the liver, pancreas or gallbladder are not filtering out bilirubin, or old blood cells. Call your primary care doctor if jaundice is suspected.
Brown Spots
Brown spots in the sclera are sometimes just freckles. People with darker skin complexion may have brown spots in the conjunctiva due to higher melanin levels, but these spots are often harmless.
Primary acquired melanosis (PAM) starts out as a flat brown spot. This precancerous condition usually appears in only one eye. Without treatment, it can spread and potentially prove fatal if a melanoma develops from it.
Red Eyes
If your eyes appear red, see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Red eyes can indicate a serious issue, especially if accompanied by pain or vision changes. Red eyes are a sign of both glaucoma and uveitis, two vision-threatening diseases.
Conjunctivitis, an infection of the conjunctiva, or the membrane covering the sclera, is commonly known as “pink eye.” Dry eye may also trigger a red sclera.
Red eyes sometimes occur due to environmental factors, including:
- Alcohol consumption
- Allergies
- Excessive digital screen time
- Fatigue
- Nutritional defects
- Smoking
- Sun damage
- Infrequent blinking
Treatment to alleviate red eyes depends on the cause.
Natural Brightening
Although it is imperative to determine why the whites are changing color, there are some ways to brighten the eyes naturally. Staying hydrated is critical, as dehydrated eyes may become red. Consuming a healthy diet, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed and junk food is also important. Cutting back on or eliminating alcohol and caffeine helps with hydration as well as liver detoxification.
WhiterEyes® Conjunctivoplasty
The WhiterEyes conjunctivoplasty procedure by Dr. Brian can treat certain types of eye discoloration. The entire procedure is completed in 15 minutes. Patients with brown spots should experience immediate results. Those with bloodshot eyes should see an improvement in two to four weeks.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn the source of your eye discoloration and how to make your eyes whiter, contact Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills and schedule a personal consultation. After an eye exam and official diagnosis, he can discuss treatment and eye-whitening options.
