Yellow Light in the Eye: Causes and Solutions

The eyes have a yellowish hue?

Hello: I have myopia of over 800 degrees in both eyes and astigmatism of about 100 degrees.
Approximately two to three years ago, I noticed flashes of light in my left eye, and occasionally, when I move my eye, I see yellow light.
I went to Taipei Provincial Hospital for an examination, and they mentioned that my lens was slightly cloudy, but my retina was normal.
Last year, I had another check-up at National Taiwan University Hospital, and they said everything was fine.
However, the phenomenon of seeing yellow light when moving my left eye persists.
What should I do? Could you please provide some advice? Thank you!

Jing, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/07/05

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology

Hello! Within the eyeball, there is a structure called the vitreous body, which resembles jelly.
When we are young, the vitreous body is healthy, but as we age, especially if you have high myopia, the vitreous body may show signs of degeneration, known as vitreous liquefaction, similar to jelly melting.
At this stage, the fibers within the vitreous body may move more significantly due to the movement of the eyeball.
When these fibers move, they can tug on the retina, causing light-like stimuli, which may result in flashes or floaters.
As long as there are no retinal tears, simple vitreous degeneration does not harm vision; regular retinal examinations are sufficient.
Best wishes for your health, Dr.
Wang Zhang-ji, Ophthalmology, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2003/07/05

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding the phenomenon of seeing yellow light in your vision, especially in the context of your existing eye conditions. Based on your description, it seems you have a history of myopia and astigmatism, and you have experienced flashes of light and yellow light when moving your left eye.
The perception of yellow light, especially in the context of eye movement, can be attributed to several factors. One common cause is the presence of visual disturbances related to the vitreous body of the eye. As we age or due to certain eye conditions, the vitreous gel can begin to shrink and pull away from the retina, which may lead to the sensation of flashes of light or the perception of colors that are not actually present in the environment. This is often referred to as "vitreous detachment," and while it can be benign, it is essential to monitor for any changes that might indicate a more serious condition, such as retinal tears or detachment.

Another potential cause of seeing yellow light could be related to the lens of the eye. You mentioned that your doctor noted some cloudiness in your lens, which could indicate the early stages of cataracts. Cataracts can cause various visual disturbances, including changes in color perception, glare, and halos around lights. The yellowing of vision can be particularly pronounced under certain lighting conditions, such as bright white backgrounds, which may explain why you notice this effect more when looking at white walls or tiles.

Additionally, the phenomenon of seeing colors differently when fatigued or under stress is not uncommon. Fatigue can affect the way our eyes and brain process visual information, leading to temporary changes in color perception. This could explain why you sometimes see a yellow or even green tint when you are tired.

Given your history of eye issues and the persistence of the yellow light phenomenon, it is crucial to continue regular eye examinations with an ophthalmologist. They can perform detailed assessments, including visual field tests and imaging of the retina, to rule out any serious underlying conditions. If you experience any new symptoms, such as an increase in flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, or a shadow in your vision, you should seek immediate medical attention, as these could be signs of retinal detachment.

In terms of management, if your symptoms are related to cataracts, your eye doctor may discuss options for cataract surgery when the condition progresses to a point where it significantly affects your vision. For now, ensuring that you have the correct prescription for your glasses and using proper lighting can help reduce visual discomfort.

In conclusion, while seeing yellow light can be concerning, it is essential to have a thorough evaluation by an eye care professional to determine the exact cause and appropriate management. Regular follow-ups and monitoring your symptoms will help ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly. Thank you for your inquiry, and I hope this information helps clarify your situation!

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