What is blue sclera?
Blue sclera is a condition in which the white part of the eye (sclera) has a blue, gray or purplish tint. In many cases, blue tint in the sclera occurs as a symptom of an underlying condition, or as a reaction to certain medication.
One or both eyes may have a bluish sclera, and it’s usually not painful. Depending on the cause, blue in the whites of the eyes may be visible at birth or may become noticeable later on in life.
Having a blue sclera is relatively harmless and no cause for alarm. However, it could be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. If you notice a sudden change in sclera color, see an eye doctor. They can examine your eyes, determine the cause and offer treatment options.
What causes blue tint in whites of eyes?
The sclera is a thick connective tissue made up of different types of collagen and proteins. It works as a protective layer and extends from the cornea at the front of the eye, to the optic nerve at the back of the eye.
In a healthy eye, the sclera is white and smooth. When a sclera has a bluish tint, it’s often caused by thinning of the sclera. Thinness or transparency of scleral tissue makes the uvea, located beneath the sclera, and blood vessels more visible.
Essentially the blue tint in the white part of the eye is really the layers below the sclera peeking through the tissue.
Causes of scleral thinning often have to do with conditions that affect bone or connective tissue development. Other causes include anemia or similar iron deficiencies, certain medications, and exposure to silver compounds.
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Conditions associated with a bluish sclera
Usually if a child is born with blue sclera, it’s due to a genetic disorder that affects the scleral tissue. Below are some conditions — both genetic and acquired — that could contribute to a blue sclera.
Osteogenesis imperfecta
Blue sclera in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta. [Image credit: Osteogenesis imperfecta. Permission granted by © 2022 American Academy of Ophthalmology]
The most common cause of blue sclera is osteogenesis imperfecta, otherwise known as brittle bone disease. It’s a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the gene that produces collagen.
Collagen is a key part in building strong bones. Because the sclera is also made of collagen, a lack of it — or having collagen that doesn’t work as it should — causes the sclera to be weaker or thinner than normal.
There are different types of osteogenesis imperfecta. The types categorize the varying symptoms presented and their severity. People with the disease have bones that are weak and, in some cases, misshapen.
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Anemia or iron deficiency
Someone with chronically low iron levels can experience a bluish tint to the sclera. This can affect adults, as well as babies who are born with low iron.
Iron is an important part of the collagen production process. Studies found that collagen development is actually impaired when iron levels are low. When collagen isn’t being produced normally, it can cause the sclera (which is made of collagen) to thin and weaken.
Oculodermal melanocytosis (ODM)
Also known as nevus of Ota, this condition is characterized by excessive pigmentation in the uvea, sclera, episclera and eyelids. This results in a bluish gray tint in the sclera and eyelids.
While this condition is not dangerous at face value, having it significantly increases one’s risk of developing uveal melanoma. In fact, experts look at ODM as a precursor to uveal melanoma.
If you’ve been diagnosed with ODM, it’s critical that you protect your eyes from UV exposure and get regular eye exams to manage the health of your eyes.
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Marfan syndrome
Like many other conditions associated with a blue sclera, Marfan syndrome affects the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue keeps the organs, cells and tissues together. It’s relied on heavily for proper growth and development.
In addition to vision problems such as high myopia, exotropia and other abnormalities, Marfan syndrome can cause the whites of the eyes to appear blue or gray.
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Though rare, it’s possible for a blue sclera to result from pseudoxanthoma elasticum. This is a genetic disease in which elastic body tissue becomes calcified.
The skin and cardiovascular system are usually affected most, as well as the retina. However, cases of blue-tinted scleras have been reported in association with the disease.
Kabuki syndrome
This is a genetic disorder that results from a mutation in genes KMT2D and KDM6A . Though the symptoms and their severity vary among those affected, Kabuki syndrome can cause growth delays, skeletal abnormalities, distinctive facial features and intellectual disability.
Facial features seen in Kabuki syndrome include long openings between the eyelids (palpebral fissures) and a droopy upper eyelid (ptosis). Blue sclera is also a symptom.
Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease is a rare disorder in which the adrenal gland doesn’t create enough cortisol and aldosterone. These are some of the most important hormones that the body makes.
One of the many symptoms involved with the condition is hyperpigmentation in and around mucus membranes. This often includes the eyes and gums.
Alkaptonuria
Also known as “Black Urine disease,” Alkaptonuria is a rare disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down tyrosine and phenylalanine. These are two important amino acid proteins. Since the amino acid can’t be broken down; a build-up of homogentisic acid occurs in the body.
The build-up of homogentisic acid can cause urine to appear dark and many health problems throughout a person’s life. This includes having grayish blue or brown spots in the sclera, a blue tint to cartilage in the ear, and issues with the bones and joints.
Ehlers Danlos syndromes
Ehlers Danlos syndromes is an umbrella term for a collection of genetic disorders that affect the connective tissue. More specifically, these disorders inhibit the production of collagen.
The most common presentation of these disorders is hypermobility (being “double jointed”) and having stretchy or loose skin. Because there’s a lack of collagen production, it’s also common for scleras to be thin. This results in a bluish tint in the sclera.
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Medications that can cause blue sclera
Developing blue sclera as an older adult — meaning the condition was acquired — usually means it’s caused by something in your medicine cabinet, not a genetic disease. Below are some medications that have been known to cause a blue tint in the sclera.
Talk to your doctor about the side effects you’re experiencing from your medication. Usually adjusting your dosage or finding an alternative treatment will help resolve the problem.
Minocycline
Minocycline is used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections. One of the side effects of this medication is changes in skin, teeth, gum and nail color.
If someone who is taking this medicine has a blue tint to their sclera, they may also have a blue tint to their nail beds.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics are prescribed to treat certain mental illnesses. These include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and certain personality disorders. Phenothiazines, which is a group of antipsychotic medications, may cause blue sclera.
Amiodarone
Amiodarone is a drug that treats cardiac problems, like arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). When taking this drug, it’s possible for it to accumulate in the skin. This results in a blue-gray tint on the face, hands and eyes.
Phenytoin
Phenytoin is a seizure medication that has been reported to cause blue discoloration of the skin and eyes. Besides blue sclera, patients also have blue nail beds, lips and conjunctiva. Permanent vision changes were also reported.
Mitoxantrone
Mitoxantrone is a chemotherapy drug that is administered intravenously. Approximately 10%-29% of patients experience a bluish or greenish discoloration of the sclera and urine after treatment.
This side effect usually lasts one to two days after treatment.
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When to see a doctor
Usually, having a sclera with a blue tint is not an immediate threat. Especially if you’ve been diagnosed with a genetic condition in which blue sclera is a symptom.
Sudden onset of blue sclera is still no cause for alarm, but an eye exam is recommended. An eye doctor can take a look and determine the cause of the change.
If you have any sudden changes in your vision, like blurriness or light sensitivity, or the whites of your eyes have turned yellow, you need to see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if the change in scleral color is accompanied by pain, irregular eye discharge or swelling.
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