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Yellow eyes, medically termed scleral icterus, occur when the white portion of the eye (the sclera) takes on a yellowish tint. This is caused by an accumulation of bilirubin, a byproduct of old red blood cells, in the blood and ocular tissues.
read more about yellow eyes scleral icterus ...Yellowing of the eyes is typically a secondary symptom of systemic issues. Key causes include:
The sclera is rich in elastin, a protein that has a very high chemical affinity for bilirubin. When the liver is unable to process this pigment, it leaks into the bloodstream and binds to the elastin fibers in the eye. This creates a visible yellowing that often appears before the skin begins to change color, making the eyes an early warning system for liver or gallbladder distress.
A thorough diagnosis involves more than a visual check. Doctors typically perform a comprehensive metabolic panel to check liver enzymes and bilirubin levels. High levels of "unconjugated" bilirubin suggest blood disorders, while "conjugated" bilirubin often indicates a blockage in the bile ducts or liver disease. Imaging like an ultrasound or MRI is used to look for physical obstructions.
Management is centered on resolving the underlying pathology. For infectious hepatitis, rest and antiviral therapy are standard. If a gallstone is the culprit, a surgical procedure to remove the stone or the gallbladder may be required. Once the primary health issue is stabilized, the liver begins clearing the excess bilirubin, and the yellow tint in the eyes naturally dissipates over several weeks.
Scleral icterus is essentially jaundice of the eye. While jaundice refers to the yellowing of the skin, icterus specifically denotes the yellowing of the ocular surface. Both indicate high levels of bilirubin.
A diet extremely high in beta-carotene from carrots or squash can turn the skin yellow, but it rarely affects the whites of the eyes. Yellowing of the sclera is almost always a sign of a medical issue.
Yes. Once the underlying liver or blood condition is treated and bilirubin levels return to normal, the yellow tint in the eyes will gradually fade away.