Why is the white part of my eye turning yellow?
Nov 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Yellowing of the white part of the eye may be related to factors such as aging, dietary habits, medication effects, chronic conjunctivitis, and viral hepatitis. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. It is also important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and ensure adequate sleep daily to support normal metabolic function.
Generally, yellowing of the white part of the eye refers to scleral icterus. Scleral icterus may be related to factors such as aging, dietary influences, medication effects, chronic conjunctivitis, viral hepatitis, and others. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Aging
With advancing age, the color of the ocular conjunctiva may gradually turn yellow. This is due to the natural aging process of the conjunctiva and pigment deposition. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require specific treatment.
2. Dietary Influences
Long-term excessive consumption of foods rich in carotene, such as carrots, pumpkin, and oranges, may lead to an excess of carotene in the body, which can deposit on mucosal surfaces, including the white part of the eye, causing it to appear yellow. It is recommended to adjust the diet, reduce the intake of carotene-rich foods appropriately, consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, and maintain a balanced nutrient intake.
3. Medication Effects
Long-term or excessive use of certain medications, such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and chemotherapy drugs, may cause liver cell damage, affecting the uptake, conjugation, and excretion of bilirubin. This can lead to elevated levels of both unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin in the blood, resulting in scleral icterus. Consult a physician immediately and discontinue or switch medications under medical supervision.
4. Chronic Conjunctivitis
Chronic conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus or Haemophilus influenzae, leading to congestion of the white part of the eye and secretion of inflammatory substances. These substances may cause the sclera to appear yellow. Symptoms may include eye redness, increased secretions, and ocular discomfort. Patients may use medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, tobramycin eye drops, or acyclovir eye drops as directed by a physician.
4. Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis is commonly associated with transmission through blood, consumption of contaminated food, or direct contact with infectious sources. Viral infection of the liver may damage liver cells, leading to elevated levels of unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin in the blood and causing the aforementioned symptoms. This condition is often accompanied by fever, fatigue, and dark-colored urine. Treatment may involve medications such as entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, or diammonium glycyrrhizinate injection, under the guidance of a physician.
Maintain healthy lifestyle habits in daily life and ensure adequate sleep each day to help maintain normal metabolic function of the body.
