Is a yellow spot on the white of the eye a sign of liver disease?

Jun 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Shuai

Introduction

There are yellow spots on the white of the eye (sclera). If they occur simultaneously with impaired liver function leading to abnormal bilirubin metabolism, they may indicate liver disease; otherwise, they may not be related to liver disease. When yellow spots appear on the sclera, it is important to seek timely medical evaluation and undergo professional examinations to determine the specific cause. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and good eye hygiene, avoiding excessive eye strain and fatigue, is recommended.

Generally, the white part of the eye may have yellowish spots. If these are accompanied by impaired liver function leading to abnormal bilirubin metabolism, they could indicate liver disease; otherwise, they may not. If abnormalities are noticed, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

When liver function is impaired, such as in liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis, bilirubin cannot be normally metabolized and excreted, thus accumulating in the body. This leads to elevated bilirubin levels, which enter the eyes through the bloodstream and deposit on the sclera, forming yellow spots. Besides yellow spots on the white of the eye, patients may also experience symptoms such as yellowing of the skin, darkened urine, gastrointestinal issues, systemic symptoms, and discomfort or pain in the liver area.

However, yellow spots on the white of the eye are not necessarily caused by liver disease. Various other factors can also lead to this symptom, including pigment deposition due to genetic factors, excessive consumption of foods containing yellow pigments, conjunctival foreign body irritation, and pinguecula. Yellow spots in these cases typically do not accompany other symptoms related to liver disease.

When yellow spots appear on the white of the eye, timely professional medical evaluation is necessary to determine their exact cause. At the same time, maintaining good lifestyle habits and eye hygiene, avoiding excessive eye strain and eye fatigue, can help prevent and improve the occurrence of yellow spots.

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What causes the whites of the eyes to appear bluish?

In general, bluish discoloration of the whites of the eyes may be caused by eye strain, low blood pressure, iron-deficiency anemia, migraines, or glaucoma. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Prolonged use of electronic devices such as computers and smartphones, as well as extended periods of reading, can lead to eye strain and subsequently cause the whites of the eyes to appear bluish.

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What does it mean when there is a white raised area on the white part of the eye accompanied by red blood vessels?

In general, the presence of white bumps on the white part of the eye accompanied by red blood vessels may be related to conditions such as conjunctival edema, conjunctival concretions, pinguecula, pterygium, or follicular conjunctivitis, and targeted treatments can be applied. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital. In daily life, it is important to use eyes properly and avoid rubbing them, which helps maintain eye health.

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What causes redness in the white of the eye?

In general, redness in the white of the eye may be caused by eye injury, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, scleritis, keratitis, or other conditions. Eye trauma can lead to redness, especially if there is blood vessel rupture or damage to ocular tissues. In daily life, maintaining a regular schedule and moderate eye use—along with other healthy lifestyle habits—can promote eye health.

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Will yellow spots on the white of the eye disappear?

In general, yellow spots on the white part of the eye can be resolved, but they will not disappear automatically and require treatment. Yellow spots on the sclera may be caused by factors such as inflammatory irritation, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, nutritional deficiencies, or ocular trauma, leading to pigment deposition in the retina. This pigment deposition does not break down spontaneously, so it will not resolve on its own.