Wrinkles in the White of the Eye: Causes and Solutions

Wrinkles at the outer canthus of the eye?

Hello doctor, I have noticed that the sclera near the outer corners of both my eyes has developed folds for over a month.
Recently, when my eyelashes got into my eyes, I tried to use a tissue to pull them out, but I found that a layer of white membrane was also being pulled from the sclera.
It feels very sticky at the corners of my eyes, and I experience pain and itching around my eyes.
I visited an ophthalmologist and used eye drops, but there was no improvement.
After applying a warm compress for a while, I suddenly feel sharp pain in my eyes, and the folds seem to become larger.
What could be the cause of this?

Guan Guan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/08

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello, it is likely related to conjunctival swelling.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/11/08

More Info

The symptoms you are experiencing, particularly the wrinkles in the white part of your eyes (sclera) near the outer corners, along with the associated pain, itching, and the sensation of a sticky membrane, can be indicative of several underlying conditions. It is essential to understand that the eye is a complex organ, and various factors can contribute to the symptoms you are describing.

One potential cause of the wrinkles in the sclera could be related to conjunctival edema or inflammation. This condition can occur due to allergies, infections, or irritants that cause the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white part of the eye) to swell. Allergic reactions, for instance, can lead to symptoms such as itching, redness, and discomfort, which may explain the pain and irritation you are experiencing. Additionally, if there is any discharge or excessive tearing, it could lead to a sticky sensation in the eyes.

Another possibility is that you may be experiencing a form of dry eye syndrome. This condition occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Dry eyes can lead to irritation, a feeling of grittiness, and even the formation of wrinkles in the conjunctiva due to the lack of moisture. The fact that you mentioned the use of tissue to remove an eyelash and noticing a white membrane could suggest that the surface of your eye is not adequately lubricated.

Furthermore, the sudden sharp pain and the increase in the size of the wrinkles after heat application could indicate that the heat is exacerbating an underlying inflammatory process. Heat can sometimes provide temporary relief for certain conditions, but it can also lead to increased blood flow and swelling, which might worsen the symptoms in some cases.

It is also important to consider the possibility of mechanical irritation. If you have been frequently rubbing your eyes or using tissues to remove foreign objects, this could lead to further irritation and the development of wrinkles in the sclera. The act of pulling on the tissue could inadvertently cause trauma to the delicate tissues of the eye, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

Given your symptoms and the lack of improvement with over-the-counter eye drops, it is advisable to seek a comprehensive evaluation from an ophthalmologist. They may perform a thorough examination, including checking for signs of conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, or any other underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms. They might also consider prescribing medicated eye drops or other treatments tailored to your specific condition.

In summary, the wrinkles in the white of your eyes, along with the associated symptoms, could be due to conjunctival edema, dry eye syndrome, mechanical irritation, or an allergic reaction. A thorough examination by an eye care professional is crucial to determine the exact cause and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. In the meantime, avoiding irritants, using preservative-free artificial tears, and practicing good eye hygiene can help alleviate some discomfort.

Similar Q&A

Natural Remedies to Improve Eye Wrinkles Caused by Allergies

To improve wrinkles at the corners of the eyes caused by allergies, excluding cosmetic procedures, consider the following approaches: 1. Identify and Avoid Allergens: Determine the specific allergens triggering your symptoms and take steps to avoid them. 2. Moisturize: ...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Treating allergic diseases themselves.

Persistent Wrinkled Whites and Blood Vessels in Eyes: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, my sclera has been wrinkled for a long time, with prominent blood vessels underneath. The wrinkles are so severe at the outer corners of my eyes that I can't even rotate my eyeballs fully. I have seen doctors multiple times and used prescribed eye drops, but th...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
The persistent wrinkling of the sclera with underlying prominent blood vessels may be indicative of chronic conjunctivitis, and treatment should primarily focus on medication. It is unlikely to be related to high myopia. Thank you.

Understanding Eye Whites: Causes and Solutions for Grayish Extensions

The grayish extension of the sclera (the white part of the eye) on both sides of the nose may indicate a condition known as pinguecula or pterygium, which are growths on the conjunctiva. These can be caused by prolonged exposure to UV light, dust, or wind, and are not typically r...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Evelyn: It may be a proliferation of the conjunctival tissue, which is likely unrelated to fatigue. It is advisable to get it checked. Information from the internet should only be used as a reference; if necessary, you should seek medical attention at a healthcare facility....

Understanding Yellowing of the Eyes: Causes and Solutions

The white part of the eyes appears yellow and looks lackluster. I'm not sure what the cause is. Thank you for your help.

Dr. Cai Jingyao reply Ophthalmology
The term "whites of the eyes" primarily refers to the conjunctival area. Frequent use of eye drops or prolonged sun exposure can lead to changes in coloration. Certain conditions, such as jaundice, can also cause yellowing, so it is advisable to have a specialist evalua...