Yellow Eyes

Question
Hi Mike,  I was recently certified to scuba dive and experience a mask squeeze. I realized what was happening and blew air through my nose but the damage was done. I received a very big blood pool in my left eye. I am experiencing no vision problems and it has been 3 days. My question is regarding the yellowing of the whites of my eyes. I have not been able to find any explanation in my research. Is this just a coincidence? Have you seen this before? Should I see an eye doctor?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Kris,

I'm sorry to hear about your mask squeeze and subsequent problems.  As you already know, a mask squeeze is caused by unequalized pressure inside a dive mask.  The resulting suction inside the mask creates a bruise by actually sucking blood out of the small blood vessels near the surface of your skin and eyes.  The injury is like any bruise you've had elsewhere on your body as a result of some striking force.  The blow causes blood to leak from damaged vessels and is trapped in the tissues under the skin.  The end result is the same as your mask squeeze...blood trapped in the tissues.  In time your body will absorb this blood and during that process, the bruise will turn from a dark reddish black to a gradually fading yellow color.  This process can take several weeks.

This sounds like what you're experiencing at the moment.  I'm not a medical doctor so please don't take anything I've told you to preclude you from seeing your doctor.  It's always a good idea to seek professional advice for something that doesn't seem normal and this situation certainly is not "normal".  In answer to your question, Yes, I have seen this before.  It was alarming to look at but gradually cleared up and caused no permanent harm.

Kris, only your eye doctor can tell you for sure if your problem fits the description I've provided.

Best wishes for a successful resolution and many happy dives in the future!!

Mike Giles
mikescuba.com