Should I Be Worried If My Eyes Are Yellow?
Noticing your eyes turning yellow can be surprising and even a little scary. This change, known medically as scleral icterus, often points to a problem inside your body—especially with your liver. When your liver doesn’t work properly, a substance called bilirubin builds up in your blood. This yellow pigment is what turns your eyes yellow.
Sometimes the yellow color may appear mild and come and go. But other times, it could mean something more serious is going on. That’s why it’s important not to ignore this symptom and to get it checked by a doctor.
What Does It Mean When the Whites of Your Eyes Turn Yellow?
The white part of your eyes is called the sclera, and it’s covered by a thin layer called the conjunctiva. When your liver or bile system isn’t working right, bilirubin can build up in the conjunctiva, causing it to look yellow.
This yellowing is often a clear sign of jaundice—a condition caused by too much bilirubin in your body. Your liver normally clears out bilirubin, but if it’s inflamed, blocked, or not working properly, the yellow pigment stays in your blood and shows up in your eyes.
So, yellowing eyes usually mean your body is having trouble getting rid of waste. It’s like a signal telling you that something deeper might be wrong.
Common Causes of Yellowish Eyes
Yellow eyes don’t come from just one cause. Here are the most common reasons:
Jaundice and Liver Problems
- The most common reason is jaundice, which happens when the liver can’t get rid of bilirubin.
- Diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer can slow down liver function.
- When this happens, bilirubin builds up and turns your eyes yellow.
Dehydration and Lifestyle Habits
- Not drinking enough water or following an unhealthy diet can stress your liver.
- People with Gilbert’s syndrome may get yellow eyes when they’re sick, fasting, or dehydrated.
- Drinking too much alcohol or taking harmful medications can also damage the liver over time.
Eye Infections or Inflammation
- Though less common, eye infections like conjunctivitis can cause redness and yellow discharge.
- Rare but serious infections, such as endophthalmitis, may cause the eyes to appear yellowish too.
When Yellow Eyes Are a Sign of a Serious Disease
Sometimes, yellowing eyes aren’t just about tiredness or poor habits—they can be signs of serious health problems. Here are a few conditions that need urgent attention:
Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, and Bile Duct Issues
- Hepatitis is a disease that causes liver inflammation. It can come from viruses, alcohol, or medications. When the liver is inflamed, it can’t clear bilirubin properly.
- Cirrhosis means long-term liver damage and scarring. This makes it harder for the liver to work, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- A blocked bile duct (from gallstones or a tumor) can stop bilirubin from leaving the body. It builds up and makes the eyes yellow.
Hemolytic Anemia and Blood Disorders
- In hemolytic anemia, red blood cells break down too fast. This leads to extra bilirubin being made, which the liver can’t keep up with.
- Diseases like autoimmune hemolytic anemia or G6PD deficiency can also cause your eyes to yellow, especially during times of stress, infection, or after taking certain medicines.
If your yellow eyes come with other symptoms like dark urine, fatigue, or weight loss, see a doctor right away. These are signs that something more serious may be happening inside your body.
Other Symptoms That May Appear With Yellow Eyes
Yellow eyes usually don’t happen alone. Your body might show other warning signs:
- Fatigue: Feeling very tired all the time, even after resting.
- Dark Urine: If your urine looks like tea or cola, it might be due to high bilirubin.
- Pale or Clay-Colored Stools: Normal stools are brown. If they’re very light or grey, it could mean bile isn’t reaching your intestines.
- Itchy Skin: Bile salts can build up under the skin and cause intense itching.
- Fever: If there’s an infection like hepatitis, you might have a high temperature.
- Weight Loss: If you’re losing weight without trying, it might be linked to liver or gallbladder problems.
These symptoms together give doctors important clues to figure out what’s wrong.
How to Check at Home Before Seeing a Doctor
If you think your eyes look yellow, here’s what you can do at home:
Simple Observation Tips
- Use natural light near a window and look at your eyes in a mirror.
- Gently press on your skin (like your forehead) and watch the area for yellow tones when you let go.
- Keep an eye on the color of your urine and stools.
- Write down any other symptoms you feel, like tiredness or pain.
When to Act Fast
Call a doctor or go to the emergency room if:
- The yellowing comes on quickly or gets worse.
- You feel severe pain in your belly.
- You have a high fever, feel confused, or pass out.
- You notice dark urine, light stools, or constant itching.
- You’re losing weight without trying.
Even if you’re not sure, it’s better to be safe and get checked out. Yellow eyes are not something to ignore.
Diagnosis: What Doctors Look For
When you go to the doctor for yellow eyes, they won’t just look at your eyes—they’ll check your whole body and do tests to find the exact cause. Here’s how they figure it out:
Blood Tests
- Bilirubin Test: Measures how much bilirubin is in your blood. High levels usually mean jaundice.
- Liver Enzyme Tests (ALT, AST): These show if your liver is damaged or inflamed.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for anemia or infection, which can also affect eye color.
Physical Exam
- The doctor will look closely at your eyes and skin for yellowing.
- They may press on your belly to check if the liver or spleen feels swollen.
Imaging Tests
- Ultrasound: A safe, painless test that looks at your liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
- CT Scan or MRI: These can show detailed images of the liver or check for tumors or blockages.
These tests help doctors figure out what’s causing the yellow color and how to treat it properly.
Treatment and What You Can Do Now
Treatment depends on what’s causing the yellowing. But there are both medical steps and home tips that can help:
Home Care and Lifestyle Tips
- Drink water: Staying hydrated helps your body get rid of waste.
- Eat healthy: Choose fresh vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains.
- Avoid alcohol and fried foods: These can make liver problems worse.
- Rest: Your body heals better when you’re not overworked.
- Avoid risky medications: Some painkillers and supplements can stress your liver.
Medical Treatments
- Liver disease: May need antiviral drugs (for hepatitis), lifestyle changes, or even hospitalization.
- Blocked bile ducts: Doctors may remove gallstones or use surgery to open the duct.
- Hemolytic anemia: Might require medicines, or in some cases, blood transfusions.
Always follow your doctor’s advice. Don’t try to self-treat yellow eyes without knowing the real cause.
Preventing Yellowing in Eyes
Keeping your eyes healthy starts with caring for your body—especially your liver.
For Liver Health
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of colorful vegetables.
- Avoid heavy alcohol use.
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
- Exercise regularly to avoid fat buildup in the liver.
- Drink enough water every day.
For Eye Health
- Wear sunglasses to protect from UV light.
- Keep your hands clean to avoid eye infections.
- Take breaks from screens—follow the 20-20-20 rule.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin A, omega-3, and antioxidants like spinach, carrots, and fish.
Healthy eyes often reflect a healthy lifestyle.
Common Questions About Yellow Eyes
Can yellow eyes go away on their own?
Sometimes, yes—especially if caused by stress, dehydration, or a mild condition like Gilbert’s syndrome. But most times, you’ll need a doctor’s help.
Is it always related to the liver?
No. While liver issues are common, other causes include blood disorders, bile duct blockages, or even eye infections.
Should I go to the ER?
Yes, if yellow eyes come with serious symptoms like high fever, sharp belly pain, dark urine, light stools, or confusion. These could mean a dangerous condition that needs quick treatment.
Now you know what yellow eyes can mean, what causes them, and what to do next. Don’t ignore this warning sign. If you see yellow in your eyes or feel any other symptoms, take action—your health may depend on it.