Why are the whites of a newborn baby's eyes very yellow?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
A newborn's white part of the eye appearing slightly yellow may primarily be due to hepatitis. If a newborn is infected with cytomegalovirus or hepatitis B virus, these viruses can impair the infant's liver function, leading to hepatitis and resulting in yellowing of the eyes. For this condition, antiviral treatment as well as liver-protective therapy for the newborn are required.
Many newborn babies develop yellowing of the eyes. There are various causes for this yellowing. Why do some newborns have significantly yellow whites of the eyes?
Why Do Newborns Have Significantly Yellow Whites of the Eyes?
The slight yellowing of the whites of a newborn's eyes can primarily be attributed to the following reasons: neonatal hepatitis. If a newborn is infected with cytomegalovirus or hepatitis B virus, these viruses can impair liver function, leading to hepatitis, which in turn causes the whites of the eyes to turn yellow. For such cases, antiviral treatment as well as liver-protective therapy for the newborn are required.
Neonatal jaundice. If a newborn develops hemolytic jaundice or jaundice caused by biliary atresia, the whites of their eyes will also appear yellow, often accompanied by yellowing of the skin. In such cases, phototherapy with blue light or blood exchange transfusion may be needed. Once bilirubin levels decrease, the yellowing of the whites of the eyes will resolve.
For the care of neonatal jaundice, you can give the baby boiled water in the morning and evening to help eliminate bilirubin from the body. If feeding formula, dilute it with extra water, or add a small amount of glucose to the water. If elevated jaundice levels are detected, give the baby glucose water—dissolve glucose in water and feed it to the infant. We hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness!
