What Causes Yellow Eyes?
Yellowing of the eyes, or yellow eyes medically known as scleral icterus, is often a sign of an underlying health condition. The most common causes include:
- Liver Disease – Conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease can lead to jaundice, where excess bilirubin builds up in the blood, causing yellowing of the eyes and skin.
- Jaundice—A condition caused by high bilirubin levels due to liver dysfunction or bile duct obstruction.
- Hemolysis (Red Blood Cell Breakdown)—Excessive breakdown of red blood cells can overload the liver, leading to yellow eyes.
- Gallbladder and Pancreatic Disorders—Blocked bile ducts or pancreatic cancer may cause bilirubin buildup, resulting in jaundice.
- Medications and Toxic Reactions—Certain medications and toxins can cause liver damage, leading to yellowing of the eyes.
- Newborn Jaundice—Common in infants due to immature liver function but usually resolves naturally.
- Infections and Autoimmune Disorders—Conditions like malaria, leptospirosis, and autoimmune hepatitis can contribute to yellow eyes.
- Allergies and Eye Irritation—In rare cases, prolonged eye allergies or irritation may give a yellowish tint.
Symptoms Associated with Yellow Eye:
- Yellowing of the sclera (white part of the eye)
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
How to Treat Yellow Eyes?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
1. Liver Health & Detoxification
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Reduce alcohol intake and processed foods to prevent liver damage.
- Stay hydrated to help flush toxins from the body.
2. Medical Treatment for Jaundice
- If caused by hepatitis or liver disease, doctors may prescribe antiviral medications or lifestyle modifications.
- Gallstones or bile duct obstruction may require surgical procedures.
- For severe conditions like cirrhosis or liver failure, a liver transplant might be necessary.
3. Eye Drops for Yellow Eye:
- While there are no over-the-counter eye drops specifically for yellow eye, artificial tears can help relieve irritation caused by allergies or dryness.
4. Lifestyle Adjustments
- Get enough sleep, as lack of rest can strain the liver and lead to eye discoloration.
- Reduce stress levels, as chronic stress affects liver function.
- Regular exercise helps improve overall liver and gallbladder function.
FAQs About:
1. Why do my eyes look yellow?
Yellowing of the eyes is commonly due to liver problems, jaundice, or excessive red blood cell breakdown.
2. How can I clear yellow eyes?
Treating the root cause (liver disease, infection, or medication effects) is the best way to restore normal eye color.
3. Can allergies cause yellow eyes?
In some cases, chronic allergies or dry eyes can give a yellowish appearance, but it is not a primary cause of jaundice.
4. Can lack of sleep make your eyes yellow?
Sleep deprivation does not directly cause yellow eyes, but it can contribute to liver stress and worsen existing conditions.
When to Seek Medical Help?
If you experience persistent yellowing of the eyes, along with symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, nausea, dark urine, or abdominal pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Author Details:
Dr. Sushruth Appajigowda holds a prominent position as a cornea, cataract, glaucoma, and LASIK surgeon in Bangalore. He serves as the chief cataract and refractive surgeon at Vijaya Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Nagarbhavi, Bangalore. Renowned as one of the finest LASIK surgeons nationwide, he brings with him over 12 years of experience across multiple LASIK platforms, including ZEISS, ALCON, SCHWIND, AMO, and Bausch and Lomb. Having successfully conducted over 5000 LASIK procedures, Dr. Sushruth holds the title of a Certified Refractive Surgeon and a Fellow of the All India Collegium of Ophthalmology. Furthermore, he stands as a distinguished speaker at various national and international forums, using his expertise to guide you in selecting the most suitable procedure based on your health requirements.
