Have you ever noticed that the whites of your eyes or those of someone you know have turned yellow? Sometimes they take on a yellowish hue. This is what we call jaundice. It's not something to be afraid of, but it's also not a good idea to ignore it. Because yellowing of the eyes is a sign of something else going on inside our body. So, let's talk about this today.
Why do eyes really turn yellow?
To understand this, we first need to understand a small process that occurs in our bodies. The red blood cells in our blood break down over time. When these break down, a yellow chemical called bilirubin is formed.
Normally, our liver acts like a filter, filtering this bilirubin from the blood and using it to make a liquid called bile. This bile then travels through the bile ducts into our digestive system and is excreted from the body in the feces.
Simply put, bilirubin is a yellow "waste" that is produced in the body. The liver is the "factory" that removes this waste.
However, if for some reason, too much bilirubin builds up in the body, or if the liver is unable to remove it properly, this yellow substance accumulates in our blood. When this accumulates, the whites of our eyes, and sometimes the skin, start to look yellow. This is called jaundice.
What are the main causes of yellow eyes?
There is not just one reason why eyes turn yellow, there can be many. Let's take a look at the main ones.
| Reason | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis | This is when the liver becomes inflamed (swollen). This can be caused by viruses (such as Hepatitis A, B, and C), certain medications, and excessive alcohol consumption. When the liver is damaged, it doesn't filter bilirubin properly. |
| Gallstones | Stones that form in the gallbladder, which is located under the liver, can block the bile ducts. It's like a clog in a water pipe. Bilirubin builds up in the blood. |
| Excessive drinking | Years of heavy drinking can cause serious damage to the liver. Liver cells are destroyed and replaced with scar tissue. This condition is called cirrhosis . The liver can no longer function properly. |
| Some medications | Jaundice can be a side effect of some medications. Examples include: taking too much acetaminophen/paracetamol, penicillins (Amoxicillin/clavulanate), birth control pills, some psychiatric medications, and steroids. |
| Cancer | Things like liver cancer and pancreatic cancer can cause bile duct blockage and jaundice. |
| Some blood diseases | In conditions like hemolytic anemia, red blood cells break down faster than normal. The liver is then unable to control the amount of bilirubin produced. Sickle cell anemia is another such condition. |
In addition, very rare conditions such as malaria, other parasitic infections of the liver, and the genetic condition Gilbert syndrome can also cause yellow eyes.
Let's learn more about yellow eyes in newborn babies.
Many newborn babies develop jaundice within a few days of birth. This is normal in most cases. Because the baby's liver is not yet fully developed, some bilirubin can build up.
You may see symptoms like these:
- Starting with the face, the eyes and skin turn yellow.
- Decreased milk consumption.
- Showing more sleepiness than usual.
But even though this is normal, never ignore it. Because if the bilirubin level increases too much, it can damage the baby's brain. Therefore, if you see that your baby's eyes are yellow, it is imperative to see a doctor immediately and seek advice.
Most of the time, when a baby is well-fed, the extra bilirubin is excreted from the body through stool. Sometimes doctors recommend placing the baby under a special light (phototherapy) to lower the bilirubin level. We call it "light therapy."
How to get rid of yellow eyes?
This is a problem that many people have. Remember, yellow eyes are just a symptom. To get rid of it, you need to treat the underlying condition that caused it.
- If the cause is gallstones, they may need to be treated with medication or surgically removed.
- If it's a viral infection like hepatitis, the doctor will prescribe the necessary medication.
- If the condition is caused by alcohol consumption, you will have to stop drinking alcohol completely.
- If it's caused by a certain medication, the doctor will stop that medication and give you another option.
Therefore, if you notice that your eyes are yellow, please see a doctor to find out the exact cause and get the appropriate treatment, rather than trying to treat yourself by looking at things on the internet.
Take-Home Message
- Jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes, is not a disease, but a symptom of another problem in the body.
- This is due to an excess accumulation of a yellow substance called bilirubin in the blood.
- Liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis), gallstones, some cancers, and blood diseases can be the main causes of this.
- Never ignore yellow eyes. Definitely see a doctor to find out the cause.
- Although jaundice is common in newborn babies, it is still important to seek medical advice.
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the yellowing of the eyes, so an accurate diagnosis is essential.
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