The eyes are some of the most valuable parts of the human body. We often underrated them, but their value is better known to people who are blind or cannot see properly. So, it’s good to appreciate them while they are still fully functional. Human eyes are also delicate, so it’s vital to take good care of them. They are susceptible to infections and allergies that could negatively impact your vision if not addressed on time.
Your eyes are made up of many different parts. The white with a bluish hue part is called the sclera. However, the color may differ from individual to individual due to skin pigmentation. Some people also notice a brown spot on sclera of their eyes. The spots may not be as scary as they look, but learning the underlying causes and treatments is vital.
Causes of Brown Spot On Sclera
The whites of the eyes are delicate and protective layers on the eye’s surface. The appearance of brown spots on these parts can be irritating and scary. Most people do not understand how the brown spot appeared on their eyes until they visit an ophthalmologist. The following are some of the most common causes.
Conjunctival Nevus
Nevus can appear on any part of the skin and any gender at some point in life. However, when it comes to the eyes, some people are born with it, while in others, it develops in the first ten years of age. It’s often benign and only matters to your appearance. Regardless of being non threatening, it’s vital to visit an ophthalmologist to be free of all worries concerning your eyes.
Prolonged Use of Some Medications
Regular or routine use of some medications could also cause brown spot on sclera. This is especially systemic medicines like chlorpromazine and topical eye drops containing epinephrine. Hormonal control medications also disturb the production of melanin, which often results in slow darkening of the conjunctiva.
Iris Pigments
Excessive iris pigmentation often leads to brownish spots on the eyes. It occurs when pigmentation rubs on the back side of the iris and floats to other parts of the eyes. It’s vital to visit an eye doctor as soon as possible because it may put extra pressure on your eyes and damage the optic nerves.
Primary Acquired Melanosis
PAM is often associated with middle-aged and elderly white men. In this case, the condition goes unnoticed for years, but the cells clump later in life and form nevi. These spots run a high risk of developing into cancer. Therefore, if you are over 40 years, you should consult with an eye specialist as soon as you notice brown spots on your eyes.
Exposure to Foreign Objects
The eyes are often exposed to multiple external elements. These elements might find their way into your eyes and cause the appearance of brown spots. The spots might only cause some irritation and go away with time. Metal poisoning is also a common cause of brown spots on the eyes. These are especially the compounds used for photography purposes.
UV Rays
Too much exposure to sunlight can cause brown spots on the sclera. The sun rays have some adverse elements that mostly cause brown spots in middle-aged individuals.
Are Brown Spots on Sclera Dangerous?
Some brown spots are harmless, while others cause some complications. For instance, Nevi is non threatening, but it’s important to consult with an eye specialist. It helps them monitor the spots, and if there’s no change within two to three years, they are considered not dangerous. The brown spots are cause for concern if they grow or change shape. It could be melanoma, and it requires timely treatment.
The Common Symptoms of Melanoma
Melanoma has a few early warning signs. Most patients develop the condition but do not experience the symptoms until the cancer is more advanced. The common signs include:
- Blurry vision
- Sudden loss of vision
- Brown spot that grows bigger over time
- Change in how the eyeball moves on the eyes socket
- Loss of part of the visual field
- Floaters of light
Visiting an ophthalmologist once a year increases the chances of catching the problem in its early stages before it becomes advanced.
Solutions for Brown Spot on Sclera
You can use natural methods or medications to diminish the formation of brown spots on the sclera. Regardless of how you choose to treat it, you should have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist to determine the extent of the condition.
Natural Treatment Methods
Natural methods are cost-effective and do not have negative side effects on your health. They can be your first refuge if the spots are benign. Some useful tips include:
- Protecting your eyes from the harsh UV rays. You can wear sun protection glasses whenever going out in the sun.
- You can also use garlic because of its detoxifying quality. It contains sulfur that detoxifies your body.
- Consuming foods with vitamins will also be a safe solution. Vitamins A, C, and E contain compounds that fight toxins in your eyes. You can find them in fruits or other supplements.
- You can also limit or avoid seafood intake because it contains some metals that could worsen your situation.
Medical Treatments
Some brown spots are quite severe and cannot be naturally treated. An ophthalmologist will assess your condition and recommend the best medical treatment. The most common treatments include:
- Eye drops; Medicated drops are the most common medications used for brown spots on the sclera. They contain elements that minimize pressure on the optical nerves. They also enhance the flow of fluids in the eyes and the drainage system.
- Laser therapies: An eye specialist can also use laser beams to remove the brown spots on your eyes. The treatment method does not require hospitalization but leads to notable results within a short time.
- Foreign object removal: If the brown spot on sclera results from foreign objects, the doctor can apply the right techniques and procedures to remove them. They can also recommend the best ways to prevent potential problems.
Final Thoughts
Brown spots on the sclera may be harmless, but you should seek medical attention to be free of all concerns. You must also take the best care of your eyes and have them checked by an ophthalmologist at least once a year. It helps to diagnose and address any condition before it worsens.
