What does it mean when the eyeball turns yellow?
Disease description:
Recently, I noticed in the mirror that my eyes appear yellowish, and I feel some dryness in my eyes. I'm wondering what could be causing this. I often stay up late, and I'm not sure if that's related. What exactly does it mean when the whites of the eyes turn yellow?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Shuai
Common causes of yellowing of the eyeballs:
1. Physiological phenomenon: Some individuals may naturally have yellowish eyeballs due to personal constitution or genetic factors. This is a normal physiological occurrence and requires no special treatment.
2. Pseudojaundice: Excessive consumption of foods rich in carotenoids, such as carrots, pumpkins, and citrus fruits, may cause yellow discoloration of the skin, including the eyeballs. Additionally, certain medications, such as novobiocin or vitamin B2, may also cause similar effects.
3. Fat accumulation: In elderly individuals, excessive fat buildup beneath the bulbar conjunctiva may cause the eyes to appear yellow.
4. Jaundice: This primarily presents as yellow staining of the sclera and skin. The presence of jaundice usually indicates an underlying disease of the liver or biliary system, such as acute or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, or pancreatitis. When the level of bilirubin in the blood rises beyond the liver's capacity to process it, the excess bilirubin deposits in tissues, resulting in jaundice.
If yellowing of the eyeballs occurs along with certain specific symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical examination immediately.
