and Treating Black Spots on the Eye: Causes and Solutions

Q: and Treating Black Spots on the Eye: Causes and Solutions

Hello, Ah-Hsiang： 1. When the sclera is injured and bruised, the blood clots usually absorb without leaving any trace. It is possible that your black spot is a nevus of the conjunctiva, which may not necessarily be due to an injury. 2. For a detailed asses

Pterygium

Dear Dr.
Gao,
Approximately 16 to 17 years ago, I accidentally scratched the sclera of my right eye with my fingernail while removing my contact lens, resulting in a bruise and leaving a black spot (or pigment deposition) about 0.3 to 0.4 centimeters in size on the sclera.
I would like to ask Dr.
Gao the following questions:
1.
Based on your clinical experience, is it common for the sclera to sustain injury and bruising during the process of wearing or removing contact lenses, leading to the formation of a black spot due to pigment deposition?
2.
If I wish to remove the black spot on the sclera of my right eye, aside from surgical excision, are there any other "non-surgical" methods available to eliminate the black spot?
Thank you, Dr.
Gao.

Axiang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/12/21

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Ah-Hsiang:
1.
When the sclera is injured and bruised, the blood clots usually absorb without leaving any trace.
It is possible that your black spot is a nevus of the conjunctiva, which may not necessarily be due to an injury.

2.
For a detailed assessment, it is best to have a physician examine you to determine the nature of the black spot.
Please refer to http://bit.ly/371pHaw for the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; if necessary, you should seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.

Best regards,
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2019/12/21

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding the black spots on your eye, particularly in relation to your past injury from handling contact lenses. Let's address your concerns one by one.

1. Commonality of Pigmentation After Injury: It is not uncommon for injuries to the eye, particularly those that involve trauma to the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye), to result in pigment changes. When the eye is injured, as in your case with a fingernail, it can lead to bleeding or bruising, which may subsequently cause the body to deposit melanin (the pigment responsible for color in skin and eyes) in that area as part of the healing process. This can manifest as a black or brown spot on the sclera (the white part of the eye). While this is not an everyday occurrence, it is certainly a recognized consequence of trauma to the eye.

2. Options for Removal of the Black Spot: When it comes to removing such pigmentation, surgical intervention is often the most definitive method. However, there are non-surgical options that may be considered, depending on the specific characteristics of the pigmentation and the underlying cause. Here are a few potential approaches:
- Observation: If the pigmentation is stable and not causing any visual disturbances or discomfort, many ophthalmologists may recommend simply monitoring the spot over time. If it does not change or grow, it may not require any intervention.

- Laser Treatment: In some cases, laser therapy can be used to target and break down the pigment. This method is less invasive than traditional surgery and can be effective in reducing the appearance of certain types of pigmentation.

- Topical Treatments: While there are no specific topical treatments that can remove pigmentation from the sclera, some eye drops or ointments may help improve overall eye health and appearance. However, these would not directly affect the pigmentation itself.

- Consultation with a Specialist: If the pigmentation is concerning to you, or if it changes in appearance, it is crucial to consult with an ophthalmologist or a specialist in ocular surface diseases. They can provide a thorough examination and recommend the best course of action tailored to your specific situation.

In summary, while the pigmentation you are experiencing is likely a result of your previous injury, it is essential to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out any other underlying conditions. If you are considering removal, discussing your options with an ophthalmologist will provide you with the most accurate information and guidance. Regular eye examinations are also important to monitor any changes in your eye health, especially after an injury. Thank you for your inquiry, and I hope this information helps you understand your condition better!

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