Is yellowing of the eyes in newborns a sign of severe jaundice?
Disease description:
Since this morning, I've noticed that my son's eyes are severely yellow. Is yellowing of the eyes in a newborn a sign of severe jaundice?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xie Zixing
Yellowing of the eyes in newborns is not necessarily caused by severe jaundice. Jaundice typically results from impaired bilirubin metabolism in newborns, leading to elevated serum bilirubin levels. Due to the immature liver function in newborns, bilirubin accumulates, causing yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. For newborns with jaundice, exposure to sunlight or enhanced feeding may help alleviate the condition.
