Why is the black part of the eye turning yellow?
Sep 09, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
In general, yellowing of the black part of the eye may be related to factors such as eye strain, excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis, hemolytic anemia, and cirrhosis. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, avoid prolonged continuous use of the eyes; take regular breaks, and relieve eye fatigue by gazing into the distance or closing your eyes to rest.
Under normal circumstances, yellowing of the black part of the eye may be related to factors such as eye strain, excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis, hemolytic anemia, and cirrhosis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Eye strain
Prolonged and close-up use of electronic devices may lead to eye fatigue and impaired ocular blood circulation, causing the black part of the eye to appear yellowish. It is important to ensure adequate rest and relaxation for the eyes, reduce screen time, and avoid staying up late.
2. Excessive alcohol consumption
After heavy drinking, the metabolism of alcohol may produce a large amount of toxic substances that interfere with the normal metabolism of bilirubin, resulting in temporary yellowing of the black part of the eye. Alcohol intake should be stopped, and sufficient rest, hydration, and electrolyte replenishment can help alleviate the yellowing of the eyes.
3. Hepatitis
Hepatitis is usually caused by viral infections such as hepatitis A virus or hepatitis B virus. Impaired liver function may lead to bilirubin accumulation in the body, thereby causing yellowing of the black part of the eye. Patients often experience symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment may include medications such as entecavir tablets, tenofovir alafenamide fumarate tablets, and compound glycyrrhizin tablets, used under medical guidance.
4. Hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia may result from abnormal immune function, in which the immune system attacks the body's own red blood cells, releasing bilirubin beyond the liver’s metabolic capacity, leading to yellowing of the black part of the eye. Common symptoms include chills, fever, headache, and vomiting. Treatment may include medications such as rituximab injection, azathioprine tablets, and prednisone tablets, used according to medical advice.
5. Cirrhosis
Long-term bile stasis may lead to hepatic fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. As liver metabolism declines, bilirubin cannot be effectively processed, leading to its accumulation in the body and causing the aforementioned symptoms. Patients often experience fatigue, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. Medications such as diammonium glycyrrhizinate capsules, Fuzheng Huayu capsules, and octreotide acetate injection may be used under a doctor’s supervision.
In daily life, avoid prolonged continuous eye use. It is recommended to take regular breaks, such as looking into the distance or closing the eyes to rest, to relieve eye fatigue.
