The tears may become discolored for a number of reasons.
|
Class
|
Cause
|
Color
|
|
drug
|
rifampin
|
orange or red
|
|
drug
|
phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
|
brown, red or orangs
|
|
drug
|
clofazimine
|
red to brown
|
|
endogenous
|
bilirubin (jaundice)
|
yellow
|
|
endogenous
|
blood
|
reddish
|
|
exogenous
|
mascara
|
black
|
|
exogenous
|
dust
|
variable
|
Possible causes of tear discoloration::
(1) silver in argyria
(2) porphyrins in congenital erythropoietic porphyria (may require standing in light)
Approach:
(1) What is the color?
(2) How long have the tears been discolored?
(3) Did any event precede the appearance?
(4) What drugs or chemicals has the patient been exposed to?
(5) What diagnoses does the patient have?
