The whites of your eyes, known as the sclera, can take on a yellowish hue due to a condition called jaundice. This article will illuminate the causes, symptoms, and implications of yellow eyes.

The Science Behind Yellow Eyes

Yellowing of the eyes occurs when the body accumulates an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Typically, the liver processes bilirubin, converting it into bile, a fluid that aids in digestion. Bile then travels through narrow tubes called bile ducts and exits the body as waste.

However, when there is an imbalance, such as too much bilirubin in the blood or the liver’s inability to process it efficiently, bilirubin can accumulate, leading to jaundice.

Common Causes of Yellow Eyes

1. Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, often caused by hepatitis A, B, or C viruses, can impair the liver’s bilirubin filtration, resulting in jaundice.
2. Gallstones: These small, pebble-like formations in the gallbladder can obstruct bile ducts, preventing the proper flow of bilirubin and causing yellowing of the eyes.
3. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Prolonged heavy drinking can damage the liver, reducing its ability to process bilirubin effectively and leading to jaundice.
4. Certain Medications: Some drugs, including acetaminophen, penicillin, birth control pills, and steroids, have been associated with jaundice as a side effect.
5. Liver Infections: Commonly caused by hepatitis viruses, liver infections can also result from parasites like liver flukes, impacting bile ducts and leading to jaundice.
6. Blood Transfusion Reactions: In rare cases, receiving blood of an incompatible type can trigger an immune response that releases bilirubin, causing jaundice.
7. Sickle Cell Anemia: This genetic disorder, prevalent in individuals of African or Caribbean descent, results in the production of abnormal, sticky, and curved red blood cells that can overwhelm the liver with bilirubin.
8. Malaria: Infections from malaria parasites can damage blood cells, causing anemia and jaundice.
9. Cirrhosis: The gradual replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, often due to excessive alcohol consumption or chronic hepatitis, impairs bilirubin processing.
10. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Accumulation of fat in the liver, even without alcohol consumption, can lead to inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis), resulting in jaundice.
11. Hemolytic Anemia: This condition, characterized by the rapid breakdown of red blood cells, can release excessive bilirubin into the bloodstream.
12. Liver and Pancreatic Cancer: Tumors in these organs can block bile ducts, causing bilirubin buildup and jaundice.

Less-Common Causes of Yellow Eyes

• Bile Duct Diseases: Conditions like biliary atresia, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis can obstruct bile ducts, resulting in jaundice.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Liver damage from ulcerative colitis can lead to primary sclerosing cholangitis and jaundice.
• Sarcoidosis: This inflammatory disease can lead to jaundice when it damages the liver and can also cause small yellow bumps on the eyes.
• Amyloidosis: Deposits of abnormal proteins called amyloid in the liver can result in jaundice.
• Pancreatitis: Jaundice often occurs as a complication of pancreatitis due to bile duct blockages.
• Gilbert Syndrome: This rare condition, affecting 3% to 7% of people, results in insufficient enzyme production by the liver, leading to elevated bilirubin levels and yellowing of the eyes.
• Dubin-Johnson Syndrome: An even rarer disorder passed down through families that affects the liver and can cause jaundice.

Yellow Eyes in Infants

Many newborns experience jaundice due to a minor buildup of bilirubin. However, high levels of bilirubin can lead to complications such as seizures and hearing loss, requiring medical attention and monitoring.

Treatment and Outlook for Yellow Eyes

The treatment of yellow eyes depends on the underlying cause. For example, gallstone-related blockages may require medication or surgery, while hepatitis may necessitate antiviral drugs. In many cases, avoiding alcohol or specific medications is crucial.

In severe cases, such as cancerous tumors or cirrhosis, the prognosis can be serious. However, with appropriate treatment, most conditions leading to yellow eyes can be managed effectively.

Understanding the causes and symptoms of yellow eyes is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention. If you or someone you know experiences this discoloration, consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance on the appropriate course of action.