Is It Normal to Have Dark Spots on the White Part of My Eye?
The presence of dark spots in the white part of the eye is uncommon in daily life, and it can cause significant concern. In such cases, it is advisable to promptly visit a hospital for examination. There are various reasons for dark spots in the white of the eye, which may be normal physiological phenomena or related to diseases. Parents should be particularly vigilant, especially for children, as this condition may be caused by incomplete scleral development. Additionally, it may also be associated with pigmentation, and specific circumstances should be promptly examined to understand the cause.
1. Normal Physiological Phenomena: People often erroneously associate the presence of dark spots in the eyes with the presence of worms in the intestines. However, in reality, there is no correlation between dark spots and the presence of worms in the gastrointestinal tract. Children with worms in their intestines typically display symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and anal itchiness. Therefore, it is not advisable to judge the presence of worms in the intestines based solely on dark spots in the white of the eye. Instead, a comprehensive analysis of other physical manifestations in the child should be conducted.
Sometimes, the presence of dark spots in the eyes is simply a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require concern.
2. Incomplete Scleral Development: During childhood, the sclera is not fully developed, allowing the choroid or blood vessels in the eye to be visible through it. The color of these structures can vary, including black, brown, and bluish-purple. As the iris gradually develops, these dark spots or patches in the eye may gradually fade or disappear without any treatment.
3. Pigmentation: Dark spots are primarily caused by the deposition of melanin. Any area where melanin accumulates can develop dark spots, and the white of the eye is no exception. Although it is white, there can still be a build-up of melanin. In some children, melanin accumulates in the conjunctiva, resulting in dark spots in the white of the eye. The specific location of these spots varies from person to person. Dark spots on the eyes are similar to other dark spots on the body and do not affect vision, so there is no need for excessive concern.