Question

Why conjunctiva of old people turns yellowish white sometimes?

Answer 1

In old age, changes to the sclera (the white of the eyes) include the following:

• Yellowing or browning caused by many years of exposure to ultraviolet light, wind, and dust

• Random splotches of pigment (more common among people with a dark complexion)

• Thinning of the conjunctiva

• A bluish hue caused by increased transparency of the sclera

The number of mucous cells in the conjunctiva may decrease with age. Tear production may also decrease with age, so that fewer tears are available to keep the surface of the eye moist. Both of these changes explain why older people are more likely to have dry eyes.