A yellow spot on the eye can be caused by a pinguecula or a pterygium. These are benign conditions that usually create a small, localized yellowish spot on the inner side of the eye near the nose.
However, if the yellow color affects the entire white part of the eye, it may be a sign of more serious problems, such as liver or gallbladder disorders. This can also happen along with yellowing of the skin, nausea, itchy skin, or loss of appetite.
For this reason, if you notice a yellow spot on your eye, see an ophthalmologist. If you also develop other symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.
Main causes
The main causes of a yellow spot on the eye are:
1. Liver disease
Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, can cause too much bilirubin to build up in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance the body produces when red blood cells break down.
When bilirubin builds up, it can lead to yellowing of the skin and eyes. According to the CDC, other liver disease symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite, generalized itching, dark urine, or pale stools.
What to do: Treatment is managed by a hepatologist (liver specialist) and depends on the type of liver disease. It may include rest and hydration, dietary changes, prescription medications, or liver transplant in cases of cirrhosis.
2. Gallbladder disorders
Gallbladder disorders, such as gallstones or tumors, can block the bile ducts. This makes it harder for bile to flow into the intestine and for bilirubin to be cleared from the body.
This can cause the entire white part of the eye to look yellow. In some people, it may start with small yellow spots that are noticed first.
Other common symptoms of gallbladder problems include pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or chronic diarrhea.
What to do: Gallstones are usually treated with dietary changes, prescription medications recommended by a hepatologist or gastroenterologist, or surgery to remove the gallbladder.
If gallbladder cancer is present, treatment is managed by an oncologist and may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
3. Ocular pinguecula
Pinguecula is one of the most common causes of a yellow spot on the white part of the eye. It happens when tissue grows on the conjunctiva and contains protein, fat, and calcium, giving it a yellowish color.
This is more common in people who spend long periods in the sun or who have dry eye syndrome. Pinguecula and pterygium are both linked to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, based on information from the National Eye Institute (NEI).
Pinguecula is not usually serious and often does not need treatment. In many cases, it does not cause symptoms or complications.
What to do: Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment. Depending on your condition, treatment may involve lubricating eye drops, ophthalmic ointments, or, in some cases, surgery.
4. Pterygium in the eyes
Pterygium is similar to pinguecula, but the tissue growth can extend onto the cornea. This can create a spot that is not limited to the white of the eye and may spread onto the colored part of the eye.
In many cases it looks more pink than yellow, but some people can have a more yellowish pterygium.
Pterygium is more common in men between 20 and 30 years old. It can cause discomfort when opening and closing the eye and may also affect vision.
What to do: Treatment is usually provided by an ophthalmologist and often involves eye drops. Surgery may be recommended if the tissue growth is significant.
5. Pancreatic problems
Pancreatic problems, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, can also cause yellowing in the eyes. This typically causes the entire white part of the eye to look yellow rather than a small spot.
The skin may also appear yellow and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, bloating, or indigestion.
What to do: Treatment should be managed by a gastroenterologist and depends on the cause and severity. It may include hospitalization, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.