Eye Appearance: When You Need to See Your Eye Doctor

Most people look in the mirror every day but don't think much about the appearance of their eyes unless they notice a problem. You might notice puffy eyelids or some redness if you didn't sleep well. However, those are common changes that usually come and go. 

​But have you noticed a change in the appearance of your eyes that doesn't go away, or that affects only one eye? 

Changes in the appearance of your eyes don't always mean something is wrong, but it's always best to have an evaluation to determine the cause. Your eye doctor can determine whether the changes in your eye are harmless or if they're related to an eye disease. 
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Why can a change in the appearance of your eyes sometimes matter? 

Most people understand that if their vision changes, they should report it to their eye doctor. For instance, see your eye doctor if you experience increased floaters, flashes of light, or ongoing double vision. 

But when it comes to changes you can see in the appearance of your eyes, you may think it is no big deal. Your eyes can change temporarily due to allergies, crying, environmental irritants, and fatigue.

However, some of these changes can matter. For example, if you notice something new, persistent, worsening, or notably different between your two eyes, see your eye doctor.

It's also important not to try to diagnose an eye condition yourself based solely on appearance. With all our modern technology, information is at our fingertips. However, that doesn't replace your eye doctor's expertise and experience. 

A comprehensive eye exam allows your eye doctor to look beyond what you can see in the mirror and determine the underlying cause. 
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Possible changes in how your eyes look

Many changes in how your eyes look are temporary. In other cases, they can persist. Changes may include:

Red eyes: Redness can occur because of various factors, such as dryness, allergies, contact lens wear, or irritation. 

Persistent redness deserves evaluation. This is especially true if redness occurs along with: 

• Eye pain
• Light sensitivity
• Discharge
• Blurry or decreased vision

Pupils that look different: Some people may have a slightly different pupil size. A small difference can be normal. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 1 in 5 people have pupils of different sizes. 

But a new difference in pupil size should always be evaluated. Changes in pupil size can have various causes, including neurological conditions and eye injuries. 

If a sudden abnormal pupil occurs alongside a drooping eyelid, severe headache, weakness, or confusion, it requires immediate medical attention.

Yellowing of the white of the eye: The surface of the eye, called the sclera, is normally white. Yellowing of the whites of the eye can occur due to jaundice, which develops when bilirubin accumulates in the body. Yellowing does not affect vision, but it can signal a problem with the pancreas, liver, or gallbladder. A healthcare provider should evaluate any new generalized yellowing of the eyes. 

A new spot or bump around the eye: Any spot or bump around the eye or the eyelid that does not go away requires a trip to the eye doctor. Although some spots are benign, others may require treatment. Have your eye doctor evaluate any new growth or bump that doesn't go away, changes color or shape, or starts to bleed. 
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When should a visible eye change be evaluated?

Visible eye changes require evaluation from an eye doctor if you experience the following:

• Persistent or worsening redness
• A new change in pupil size
• A new spot or bump that does not go away in a few weeks
• Persistent eyelid swelling 
• New eyelid drooping

You don't need to examine your eyes in the mirror every day looking for problems. Not every visual change in your eye is a cause for concern.

The important takeaway is not to self-diagnose if you notice a visible change that persists. An eye exam can help determine whether the change is harmless or something that needs treatment. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.
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