Why does the white part of the eye turn yellow in cirrhosis?

The yellowing of the whites of the eyes in cirrhosis is mainly caused by impaired bilirubin metabolism due to decreased liver function. In cirrhosis, the liver's ability to take up, process, and excrete bilirubin is reduced, leading to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood and resulting in jaundice, which manifests as yellowing of the whites of the eyes. In addition, long-term use of certain medications with potential liver toxicity may worsen these symptoms. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation to determine the specific cause and receive appropriate treatment. At the same time, patients should avoid consuming foods and beverages that may damage the liver, such as high-fat foods and alcohol, and should regularly monitor liver function indicators to maintain liver health.