What does it mean when the white of the eye turns yellow?
Sep 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
In general, yellowing of the whites of the eyes may be caused by conditions such as neonatal jaundice, dietary habits, drug-induced liver injury, alcoholic liver disease, or intestinal obstruction. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. To help alleviate yellowing of the whites of the eyes, it is advisable to maintain a balanced diet, reduce intake of foods high in beta-carotene, get adequate rest, and avoid alcohol consumption.
Generally, yellowing of the whites of the eyes may be caused by neonatal jaundice, dietary habits, drug-induced liver injury, alcoholic liver disease, intestinal obstruction, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Neonatal Jaundice
In newborns, liver function is not yet fully matured, resulting in limited capacity to process bilirubin, which leads to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. This may cause transient jaundice a few days after birth. Neonatal jaundice usually resolves spontaneously without special treatment. Increasing feeding frequency can help promote bilirubin excretion.
2. Dietary Habits
Consuming large amounts of foods rich in β-carotene—such as carrots and pumpkins—may cause yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. However, this does not affect liver function and is a harmless physiological phenomenon.
3. Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Certain medications or their metabolites may have toxic effects on liver cells, leading to abnormal liver function and impaired bilirubin metabolism, which can result in yellowing of the whites of the eyes. Drug-induced liver injury may also be accompanied by symptoms such as discomfort in the liver area, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. It is recommended to discontinue or replace hepatotoxic drugs. Under medical supervision, hepatoprotective agents such as diammonium glycyrrhizinate enteric-coated capsules, tiopronin tablets, and glutathione tablets may be used. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for observation and adjustment of treatment plans.
4. Alcoholic Liver Disease
During alcohol metabolism in the liver, numerous metabolic byproducts are generated, which may damage or even destroy liver cells. Damaged liver cells are unable to metabolize bilirubin normally, leading to elevated blood bilirubin levels and possibly causing jaundice, including yellowing of the eyes. Symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, and discomfort in the upper right abdomen. Alcohol cessation is strongly advised. Under medical guidance, medications such as polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, ademetionine enteric-coated tablets, and metadoxine capsules may be prescribed to protect the liver and alleviate yellowing symptoms.
5. Intestinal Obstruction
Conditions such as bile duct stones or bile duct inflammation can obstruct bile drainage, potentially leading to intestinal obstruction. When bile excretion is blocked, bilirubin from bile may reflux into the bloodstream and be distributed throughout the body via circulation—including to the eyes—causing yellowing of the whites of the eyes. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as upper right abdominal pain, fever, and chills. Surgical interventions such as cholecystectomy or endoscopic bile duct stone removal may be required to relieve the obstruction. Additionally, antibiotics such as ceftriaxone sodium for injection, metronidazole injection, and cefmetazole sodium injection may be prescribed under medical guidance to prevent infection.
To help alleviate yellowing of the whites of the eyes, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, reduce intake of β-carotene-rich foods, ensure adequate rest, and avoid alcohol consumption.
