People have yellow eyes, medically known as jaundice, due to a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment from old red blood cells, in the blood, often signaling liver disease, blocked bile ducts (from gallstones or tumors), or certain blood disorders, though it's common and usually harmless in newborns. In adults, it's a sign of underlying issues like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or pancreatitis, requiring medical attention to find the cause.
That bile is stored in the gallbladder and eventually excreted by the body. But when the liver, gallbladder or pancreas are not working properly, jaundice can develop. It's important to contact your primary care doctor right away if you notice your entire sclera turn yellow.
Symptoms of acute liver failure may include: Yellowing of the skin and eyeballs, called jaundice. Pain in the upper right belly area, called the abdomen. A swollen belly, known as ascites.
In healthy individuals, bile passes through the common bile duct into the small intestine, where it helps with digestion. If this duct becomes blocked, however, bile builds up in the liver and bloodstream, and is what causes yellow eyes.
Dehydration is a known cause of yellow eyes (jaundice) in newborn babies. In adults, people with a genetic disorder of the liver called Gilbert syndrome can develop jaundice with triggers like dehydration, exertion, stress, or alcohol use.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
The Journal of Contemporary Medicine notes that a vitamin B12 deficiency can disrupt the production of healthy red blood cells, leading to increased bilirubin levels and yellowing of the eyes.
If your yellow eyes are caused by an underlying health condition, treating the condition will help your eyes to whiten. If your yellow eyes are linked to lifestyle choices or outside elements there are options to help clear your yellow eyes.
Medications. Certain medications are also linked to yellow eyes. Examples include penicillin, oral contraceptives, chlorpromazine and anabolic steroids. Excessive use of over-the-counter acetaminophen can also cause yellowing of the eyes.
The first signs of a bad liver often include persistent fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and a dull ache or tenderness in the upper right abdomen. Other subtle indicators can be general malaise, feeling unwell, or mild digestive issues like bloating or fatty stools, which might be overlooked but signal the liver isn't processing nutrients properly.
Early Signs of Kidney Disease
Four stages of liver failure define the progression of the disease: Stage 1: Inflammation. Patients may not have any symptoms at this stage, but some people may have tenderness on the right side of their abdomen. Elevated liver enzymes can be a sign of liver inflammation.
But if your iron is low, they might look pale or yellow. This is one of the common signs of low iron eyes, as iron is essential for making hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen throughout your body. Knowing these signs can help catch an iron deficiency early. This means you can get help sooner.
How to Whiten Your Eyes Naturally
Sleep deprivation does not directly cause yellow eyes, but it can contribute to liver stress and worsen existing conditions.
What is jaundice? Jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) is when your skin, sclera (whites of your eyes) and mucous membranes turn yellow. Jaundice occurs when your liver is unable to process bilirubin (a yellow substance made when red blood cells break down) in your blood.
Acetaminophen or Tylenol® is the best known medication that can damage the liver. This medication is widely available without prescription and is present in many of the cold and flu remedies as well as in prescribed pain medications.
When opioids are involved, pupils typically constrict (i.e., get smaller, even in low light situations) as the brain is flooded with dopamine, and cardiorespiratory function lowers. The resulting pin-point pupils may be an indicator of recent opioid use, but they don't necessarily cause any long-term issues.
While this symptom is often an indicator of a disorder in the liver, it might also signal an inherited blood ailment called thalassemia, in which the body produces an irregular type of hemoglobin. Yellow-colored eyes and skin may further be a symptom of the below-listed GI health issues: Gallstones.
The bilirubin can damage the brain and spinal cord, which can be life-threatening. Brain damage caused by high levels of bilirubin is also called bilirubin encephalopathy. Your baby may be at risk of developing kernicterus if: they have a very high level of bilirubin in their blood.
14 signs of liver damage
A 2021 review of research notes that several studies determined that two to four weeks of abstinence from alcohol by heavy-alcohol users helped reduce inflammation and bring down elevated serum levels in the liver. In short: A few weeks off will help. But the longer you can abstain from alcohol, the better.
The three worst things for your liver are excessive alcohol, a diet high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt (processed/fast foods), and overuse of certain medications (like acetaminophen/paracetamol), all leading to fat buildup (fatty liver), inflammation, and potential severe damage like cirrhosis, though lifestyle changes can often reverse early stages.