Having one eye suddenly change color can be alarming. However, there are several potential causes for an eye to turn grey, most of which are harmless. In this article, we will explore the various reasons your eye may have turned grey and what can be done about it.
Causes
Here are some of the most common causes for one eye turning grey:
Arcus senilis
Arcus senilis is a condition where a grey or white ring forms around the cornea of the eye. It is caused by deposits of cholesterol and other fats building up. This condition is common in older adults over age 60. Arcus senilis does not affect vision and is not harmful. However, it can be a sign of high cholesterol, so it’s a good idea to get your cholesterol levels tested if arcus senilis is present.
Corneal abrasion
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. Corneal abrasions can cause the eye to look grey or cloudy as the tissue heals. Causes include foreign objects in the eye, contact lens injuries, infections, and eye trauma. Mild abrasions typically heal within a few days, but larger abrasions may take longer. Using antibiotic eye drops can help prevent infection.
Corneal edema
Corneal edema is swelling of the cornea that causes it to become opaque. This can make the cornea look greyish. Causes include eye trauma, eye surgery, incorrect contact lens use, and endothelial cell damage. Mild cases may resolve without treatment as the swelling goes down. Severe or chronic edema may require surgery.
Corneal scarring
Corneal scars are patches of opaque tissue that form on the cornea as a result of injury or infection. If the scar is dense, it can make the cornea look grey. Scarring may also cause some vision impairment. Mild scars often don’t need treatment, but severe scars can be surgically removed.
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye that causes blurred vision. In advanced stages, a cataract can make the pupil and iris look greyish-white when light reflects off the clouded lens. Cataracts are common with aging. Early stage cataracts are treated with eyeglasses. Advanced cataracts require surgery to remove and replace the cloudy lens.
Iris atrophy
Atrophy or loss of pigment in the iris of the eye can cause one section of the iris to turn grey or lighter than the rest. This can create a ‘patchy’ appearance. It may result from recurrent eye inflammation, trauma, or eye surgery. Mild atrophy usually causes no problems with vision. In some cases, colored contact lenses can mask the discoloration.
Medications
Certain medicines like chloroquine (anti-malarial) and phenothiazines (anti-psychotic) can bind to the melanin pigment in the iris, causing the eye color to lighten over time. This side effect is harmless and eye color should return to normal after stopping the medication.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of a grey eye, an eye doctor will typically:
– Take a medical history and ask about symptoms, eye injuries, medications, etc.
– Examine the eye, checking for arcus senilis, iris discoloration, corneal scarring, cataracts, etc.
– Test vision using an eye chart.
– Use a slit lamp to closely inspect the structures of the eye.
– Measure pressure inside the eye.
– Dilate the pupils to inspect the lens and retina.
– Perform other tests like corneal staining to check for abrasions.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
| Cause | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Arcus senilis | No treatment needed. Get cholesterol tested. |
| Corneal abrasion | Antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. |
| Corneal edema | Eyeglasses if mild. Surgery if severe. |
| Corneal scar | No treatment for mild scars. Surgery for severe scars. |
| Cataract | Surgery to remove and replace cloudy lens. |
| Iris atrophy | No treatment needed. Colored contacts can mask discoloration. |
| Medications | Stop medication causing discoloration. |
Most causes of a grey eye are harmless. However, sudden unexplained vision changes could signal a more serious eye problem requiring prompt medical care. See an ophthalmologist right away if your grey eye is accompanied by:
– Pain
– Redness
– Light sensitivity
– Distorted vision
– Vision loss
– Flashing lights or floaters
– Headaches
– Nausea/vomiting
These symptoms could indicate acute glaucoma, uveitis, retinal detachment, or other sight-threatening conditions needing immediate treatment.
Prevention
You can help prevent certain causes of a grey eye by:
– Wearing eye protection when playing sports or doing activities with risk of eye injury.
– Handling contact lenses properly, replacing as recommended, and avoiding sleeping in lenses.
– Getting regular eye exams to check for cataracts, eye pressure, and other changes.
– Wearing sunglasses and a wide brim hat to protect against UV damage.
– Managing medical conditions like high cholesterol and diabetes that increase eye disease risk.
– Quitting smoking, as smoking raises risks of cataracts and optic nerve damage.
– Eating a healthy diet with leafy greens and omega-3s to support eye health.
Outlook
In most cases, a grey eye is harmless and requires no specific treatment. Conditions like arcus senilis, iris atrophy, corneal scars, and cataract discoloration do not negatively affect vision. However, it’s still crucial to see an eye doctor for an exam to diagnose the exact cause and rule out any sight-threatening eye diseases.
With appropriate assessment and treatment if indicated, vision can be preserved and the eye can remain healthy despite the change in color. Wearing contact lenses or glasses can also help improve aesthetic appearance if the discoloration is bothersome.
Although having one eye suddenly turn grey can be disturbing, try not to panic. In the majority of cases, the outlook is positive. With regular eye care and eye protection, your eyes can stay healthy and allow clear vision, even if one eye appears grey.
Conclusion
While an eye that has turned grey may look alarming, the cause is typically benign. Common reasons include arcus senilis, corneal abrasions, cataracts and iris atrophy. Seeing an ophthalmologist for an exam is important to diagnose the exact cause and rule out serious conditions like glaucoma. For many causes, no treatment is needed beyond managing underlying medical issues like high cholesterol. Other causes like corneal scarring and cataracts may require specialized treatment to optimize vision. With appropriate eye care and protection, most people with a grey eye retain good vision and eye health. However, any sudden vision changes could indicate an ophthalmic emergency.
