What Causes Yellowing of the Whites of the Eyes?
Dec 30, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
1. Improper diet: Consuming foods rich in carotene or taking colored medications can cause yellowing of the sclera (the white part of the eye). Adjusting one’s diet typically resolves this condition.
2. Eye rubbing: Avoid rubbing the eyes; the yellow discoloration usually fades spontaneously after some time.
3. Hepatobiliary diseases: Scleral jaundice is commonly associated with underlying liver or biliary tract disorders, most frequently seen in cases of jaundice-type hepatitis or cholestatic hepatitis.
Yellowing of the sclera (the “whites” of the eyes) is typically associated with liver or biliary tract disorders, which cause jaundice—most commonly seen in hepatitis with jaundice or cholestatic hepatitis. Other conditions—including infectious liver diseases, biliary tract disorders, pregnancy-induced toxemia, and certain hemolytic disorders—may also lead to scleral yellowing. Below, we address the question: What causes yellowing of the sclera?
What Causes Yellowing of the Sclera?
1. Dietary Factors
Consuming foods rich in beta-carotene (e.g., carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins) or taking certain colored medications may cause harmless yellow discoloration of the sclera. Adjusting one’s diet usually resolves this condition.
2. Eye Rubbing
Frequent eye rubbing may occur if your environment contains significant airborne dust or sand—and especially if you have relatively large eyes or short, sparse eyelashes, increasing the likelihood of foreign particles entering the eyes. Prolonged computer use further contributes to this habit. Avoid rubbing your eyes; the yellowing will typically resolve on its own after a period of time.
3. Liver or Biliary Tract Disorders
Yellowing of the eyes is clinically termed “jaundice.” It most often results from liver or biliary disease, particularly jaundiced hepatitis or cholestatic hepatitis. Jaundice arises primarily from two mechanisms: (1) hepatocellular jaundice, caused by hepatocyte damage or necrosis; and (2) obstructive jaundice, resulting from biliary obstruction. Scleral yellowing is merely an external manifestation of underlying disease. Treating the root cause—i.e., the liver disorder—will naturally resolve the yellow discoloration.
4. Excessive Fatigue
Whether at work or in daily life, chronic overexertion without adequate rest can compromise immune function and reduce resistance to disease. Extensive research has shown that prolonged fatigue may also contribute to scleral yellowing. This is especially relevant for office workers who frequently work overtime or stay up late—making sufficient rest even more essential.
The above outlines the common causes of scleral yellowing. We hope this information is helpful to you.
