Ever looked in the mirror after a long workday and wondered why your eyes seem red, dull, or just plain tired? The sclera, the white part of your eye, often shows the first signs of strain, dryness, or underlying health issues. Whether you're scrolling through screens all day or dealing with Colorado’s dry air, your eyes may be telling you more than you think.
At The Optical Centre, we use comprehensive eye exams to help patients figure out what’s normal and what needs a closer look.
What Is the Sclera?
The sclera is the white, outer layer of your eyeball. It’s made of collagen fibers and connective tissue, and it gives your eye structure and protection. This tough layer extends from the cornea in the front to the optic nerve at the back, wrapping around your entire eye like a shell.
The sclera is also connected to other important eye tissues, including a thin inner layer called the lamina fusca, and it’s laced with blood vessels that provide nutrients. Even though it’s not the part of the eye that sees, the sclera plays a huge role in how well the rest of your eye functions.
But it’s not just about function. Your sclera also plays a role in how you look. A normal, healthy sclera is clean, bright, and white. If it starts to turn red, yellow, bluish, or muddy, it can be a sign that something else is going on, either in the eye itself or somewhere else in the body.
What Does a Healthy Sclera Look Like?
When everything is working well, the white of your eye should be:
- Smooth and even in color
- Bright white or slightly bluish-white
- Free of red streaks or yellow tint
- Not swollen or bulging
- Unchanged in appearance over time
Some people naturally have a bluish tint to their sclera due to thinner connective tissue, which is common in conditions like osteogenesis imperfecta, but this is usually diagnosed early. For most people, the white color is a sign of well-hydrated eyes, good circulation, and healthy collagen in the sclera and other parts of the eye.
The Most Common Reasons Your Sclera May Change Color
Even when your vision feels fine, changes in the white of your eye can be an early sign that something’s off. Here are some of the most common causes of discolored sclera:
1. Dry Eye
The dry, sunny weather in Colorado is beautiful, but it can take a toll on your eyes. Dry eye, a condition affecting the sclera and other parts of the eye, can make your eyes look red, irritated, or even glassy.
Try This: Use preservative-free artificial tears, limit exposure to fans and air conditioners, and consider a home humidifier.
2. Bloodshot Eyes
Tiny blood vessels in the sclera can swell up due to eye strain, allergies, or lack of sleep. This is very common among parents, remote workers, and students who spend hours in front of screens.
Try This: Take screen breaks every 20 minutes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
3. Yellowing Sclera
A yellow tint in the whites of your eyes can signal a health condition, such as liver failure or jaundice, in which red blood cells break down and release bilirubin into the bloodstream.
Try This: Don’t wait. If your sclera turns yellow, it’s time to see both our eye doctor and your primary care provider.
4. Iron Deficiency
A pale or slightly bluish sclera may point to iron deficiency anemia, especially if you also feel tired or lightheaded.
Try This: Ask your doctor for a blood test to check your iron levels.
5. Eye Infection
Redness paired with pain, discharge, or swelling could indicate an eye infection. This is common during allergy season or after touching your eyes with unwashed hands.
Try This: Come see our eye doctor. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and protect your vision.
Everyday Habits That Keep the White of Your Eyes Clear
These practical tips are especially useful for patients in Longmont, where dry air, sun exposure, and screen time are part of everyday life:
- Protect Your Eyes From the Sun: Always wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially after exercise or during windy days. Add hydrating foods like cucumbers or citrus to your diet.
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night. Reduce evening screen time or use blue-light filters to help wind down.
- Cut Back on Screen Time: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Use lubricating drops and adjust screen brightness to reduce strain.
- Eat Eye-Friendly Foods: Include leafy greens, fish, nuts, eggs, and orange vegetables to support eye health.
- Book Regular Eye Exams: Let our eye doctor regularly evaluate the sclera and other parts of your eye. It’s an easy step that goes a long way in preventing more serious conditions.
From Red to Radiant: Keep Your Sclera Clear in Longmont, CO
The white color of your eyes says a lot about what’s happening inside your body. Whether you’re noticing small changes or just want to take better care of your vision, paying attention to your sclera is a smart move.
Book your eye exam at The Optical Centre in Longmont. Our team understands the connection between the sclera and other parts of your visual system, and how local factors like dry air or long hours in front of a screen may be affecting you.
Sclera Health FAQs
What causes the white of your eyes to turn yellow?
A yellow sclera may signal liver-related issues such as jaundice, often caused by a buildup of bilirubin. It’s important to see both an eye doctor and a general physician if this happens.
Can dry eye affect the white part of the eye?
Yes. Dry eye, especially common in dry, high-altitude areas like Longmont, can lead to redness and irritation in the white of your eyes, making them look tired or inflamed.
Is it normal for the sclera to have visible blood vessels?
Some visible blood vessels are normal, especially if you're tired or strained. However, consistent redness or new patterns should be checked by an optometrist.