Yellow eyes usually indicate a condition called jaundice, where the whites of the eyes (the sclera) turn yellow due to a buildup of a yellow pigment called bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells break down, and normally the liver filters it out and it is excreted as bile. However, if the liver cannot process bilirubin properly or if there is an obstruction in the bile ducts, bilirubin accumulates in the body and causes yellowing of the eyes and skin
. Common causes of yellow eyes include:
- Liver diseases such as hepatitis (A, B, C), cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, and fatty liver disease
- Blockage of bile ducts by gallstones, tumors, or infections, which prevents bile from flowing properly
- Hemolytic anemia and other blood disorders that cause excessive breakdown of red blood cells
- Certain medications that affect liver function or bilirubin metabolism, like acetaminophen, penicillin, oral contraceptives, and anabolic steroids
- Other conditions like malaria or rare genetic disorders affecting bilirubin processing
Yellow eyes do not affect vision but signal an underlying health problem that often involves the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas. It is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment
. In summary, yellow eyes mean there is an excess of bilirubin in the blood, typically due to liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or increased red blood cell breakdown, and should prompt medical attention.
