White Spot and Redness in Eye: Causes and Home Remedies

There is a white spot in the eye with partial redness, but it is not painful or itchy?

About a week ago, after I cut my bangs, I started feeling a foreign body sensation in my eye.
Initially, I thought it was just hair that had fallen into my eye and that it would resolve on its own.
However, over time, the inner corner of my eye began to turn red, although it wasn't painful or itchy.
The next day, while wearing contact lenses and participating in an ice climbing activity in Hokkaido, I was accidentally kicked in the same eye by someone in front of me who lost their balance.
Now, I can see a white spot near the inner corner of my eye, and when I touch it with a cotton swab, it feels slightly itchy, but it doesn't itch when I leave it alone.
Since seeing a doctor in Japan is quite expensive, I wanted to ask for advice here.
I can also provide photos if needed, and I hope the doctor can guide me on how to handle this situation.
Thank you.

Fu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/02

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, if your vision is not affected, please pay attention to whether the white spot is on the cornea (the black part of the eye).
If it is, be cautious of a potential corneal infection and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Additionally, you should refrain from wearing contact lenses.
If the spot is on the sclera (the white part of the eye), it is generally less concerning.
However, it is still advisable to consult an ophthalmologist.

Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi Hospital Ophthalmology: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Wednesday afternoon, 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses are for reference only; if necessary, you should visit a medical facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.

Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2016/03/02

More Info

The symptoms you are describing, including the presence of a white spot and redness in your eye, could be indicative of several conditions. Given your recent experiences, it is essential to consider both the potential for irritation from foreign objects (like hair) and the possibility of trauma from being kicked in the eye.

Possible Causes
1. Conjunctival Hemorrhage: This occurs when small blood vessels in the eye break, leading to a bright red patch on the white part of the eye. It can happen due to trauma or even from straining. While it usually resolves on its own, it can be alarming to see.

2. Corneal Abrasion: If you were kicked in the eye, there is a possibility of a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the surface of the cornea. Symptoms include pain, redness, tearing, and sometimes a feeling of something being in the eye. This condition requires medical attention to prevent infection and further complications.

3. Pterygium or Pinguecula: These are growths on the conjunctiva that can appear as white or yellowish spots. They are often associated with sun exposure, irritation, or dryness. They are usually harmless but can cause discomfort.

4. Allergic Reaction: If you have been exposed to allergens, this could cause redness and irritation in the eye, sometimes accompanied by a white spot if there is swelling or irritation of the conjunctiva.

Home Remedies and Management
While it's important to consult a healthcare professional, especially if symptoms persist or worsen, there are some home remedies you can consider:
1. Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected eye can help reduce redness and swelling. Make sure to use a clean cloth and avoid direct contact with the eye.

2. Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can help alleviate dryness and irritation. They can also wash away any foreign particles that may be causing discomfort.

3. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: This can exacerbate irritation and potentially worsen any underlying condition.

4. Rest Your Eyes: If you have been using screens or engaging in activities that strain your eyes, take regular breaks to reduce fatigue.

5. Avoid Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses until your symptoms resolve to prevent further irritation.

When to Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention if:
- The redness persists for more than a few days.

- You experience significant pain, vision changes, or increased sensitivity to light.

- There is discharge from the eye, which could indicate an infection.

- The white spot increases in size or changes in appearance.

Given that you are currently in Japan and concerned about medical costs, it may be worth looking for local clinics that offer reasonable prices or even considering telemedicine options where you can consult with a professional without the need for an in-person visit.

In conclusion, while some conditions affecting the eye can resolve on their own, others may require medical intervention to prevent complications. It's crucial to monitor your symptoms closely and seek help if they do not improve. Your eye health is important, and addressing these issues early can lead to better outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Red Spots on the White of Your Eye: Causes and Solutions

The appearance of red spots on the white part of the eye could indicate several issues, such as subconjunctival hemorrhage, which is a common condition where a small blood vessel breaks and causes bleeding under the conjunctiva. Other possibilities include allergic reactions, inf...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Mr. Hsu: It is possible that this is a case of conjunctival hemorrhage. If so, it will gradually resolve on its own, so there is no need to worry. However, I still recommend that you visit an ophthalmologist for a check-up to ensure peace of mind. Taiwan e-Hospital Puzi Hospital ...

Understanding Redness in the Eyes: Causes and Relief Tips

Hello Doctor, sometimes when I watch videos on my phone for too long or rub my eyes, I notice red streaks in the white part of my eyes. I previously visited an ophthalmologist who used a device that sprayed air to measure my eye pressure and said everything was fine, attributing ...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, if you notice bloodshot eyes without any other symptoms, it may sometimes be due to eye fatigue and congestion, which can result in redness. Taking more rest can help alleviate this condition. If the redness is caused by inflammation, medication will be necessary. Rubbing ...

How to Reduce Visible Red Veins in Your Eyes: Effective Solutions

I previously had very few red blood vessels in my eyes, but now I can clearly see many of them. Are there any ways to improve this condition?

Dr. Wang Ziyang reply Ophthalmology
The most common cause of red and white streaks in the eyes is conjunctivitis, particularly allergic conjunctivitis. Additionally, prolonged use of contact lenses can also lead to eye redness. It is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and t...

Managing Eye Pain and Migraines: Understanding Symptoms and Solutions

Hello, Doctor. About a year ago, I had a severe case of conjunctivitis in my left eye, and I have been using eye drops for conjunctivitis since then. In August of last year, I noticed that my left eye appeared foggy when looking at things. After consulting a doctor, I was informe...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Daidai: Based on your description, it seems that the issue is likely unrelated to the white spots and is most commonly caused by fatigue. First, you should focus on eye care by minimizing the use of electronic devices, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and going to bed...