Sometimes the whites of your eyes may look yellowish. Some people would think that it is a case of jaundice, hence liver damage. In most cases, however, the connection is indeed true. Essentially, yellow eyes are an indication that something is wrong with your body.
It is definitely not the right thing to just overlook it or use home remedies. In fact, yellow eyes are a warning that you need to have your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and blood checked to know the exact cause and get the treatment on time.
The sclera, or the white part of the eyes, of a healthy human should be white or almost white. If the whites of the eyes turn yellow, it is most commonly an indication that the body is excessively producing a pigment called bilirubin.
Bilirubin is a component of the blood that results from red blood cells breaking down. It is the liver that collects the bilirubin, transforms it to bile and excretes it to the intestines, from where it will be eliminated from the body. But if this passage is obstructed at any point, bilirubin is collected in the blood, skin and eyes and makes them yellow.
Yellow eyes usually mean that one of four systems is in trouble – liver, gallbladder, pancreas or blood.
The liver remains the major organ that cleanses bilirubin. Inflammation of the liver or liver damage would not allow the organ to clear the bilirubin properly. Actually, several liver-related conditions may induce the appearance of yellow pigment in the skin. Some examples are Hepatitis A, B, etc.
The liver is the organ that makes bile. Once the liver has made the bile, it transports it via small tubes, called bile ducts, to the gallbladder. In case these small ducts are obstructed, bilirubin is unable to exit. It is then that the whole thing remains in the body and is stored. The reasons for this are:
Apart from jaundice (the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), which is a result of the obstruction of bile, there might be some other symptoms, like dark urine, etc.
The pancreatic duct joins the bile duct shortly before the small intestine. If there is swelling in the pancreas, it may close off the bile duct. For example, it is the case of pancreatitis (both acute and chronic) and cancers at the head of the pancreas. These conditions, which are seldom referred to as a source of jaundice in comparison with those of the liver and gallbladder, are still very serious and need a doctor's appointment.
There may be situations when the very first indication of jaundice precedes even liver failure. If red blood cells are destroyed, the liver will be full of bilirubin. In fact, the problem comes mainly from the blood; however, the eyes still get yellow due to the high amount of bilirubin in the blood.
Not all causes can indeed be avoided; however, a good number of lifestyle choices can lessen the chance of liver and bile duct diseases:
Yellow eyes are a sign, not a final diagnosis. To find out “why,” doctors usually start with:
While jaundice is primarily a systemic problem, your eyes are often the first place you notice it. An eye specialist can:
Yellow eyes are a serious concern at the Save Sight Centre in Delhi. Besides, they will insist that you see a physician or a gastro-hepatology specialist for more examinations. The intervention of this team of professionals is the way to keep safe not only your sight but also your general health. Our experts ensure that you are able to clarify and treat your issue without compromising your health in any way.
If you detect even slight yellowing of the eyes, that is, along with symptoms such as tiredness, abdominal pain, dark urine or light stools, do not "wait for it to settle on its own.” An eye consultation appointment at Save Sight Centre may be your first vital step in getting the correct diagnosis and treatment at the right time.
Besides your regular check-ups, it would be better if you can see an eye specialist immediately when you find:
The fact that the eyes are yellow is usually an indication that there is jaundice, and this occurs as a consequence of high bilirubin levels, which are linked to liver disease, gallbladder or blood disorders.
Consistent yellow eyes usually indicate some problem with the liver or the bile ducts, which needs to be examined medically.
No, redness or dryness could be caused by poor sleep or the usage of screens, however, yellow eyes tend to be a sign of internal health problems but not eye strain.
Immediate medical attention should be sought in case of the sudden appearance of yellow eyes, which are getting worse, or when they are present with fatigue, pain in the stomach, dark urine, or weight loss without a clear cause.
Yes, yellow eyes can be fixed when it is followed by another disorder that is treated by a doctor, e. g., liver disease, infection, or blockage of the bile, etc.
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