What should I do if the whites of my eyes turn yellow?

Many people notice yellowing of the whites of their eyes (sclera) when looking in the mirror. This discoloration may indicate an underlying medical condition that could potentially affect vision, necessitating prompt evaluation and treatment. So, what should one do if the sclera appears yellow?

What to Do If the Sclera Appears Yellow

Certain localized factors—such as yellowish discoloration of the eye—may be benign. For instance, ocular pigmented nevi typically require no treatment. Conversely, chronic low-grade conjunctival inflammation can lead to localized degenerative plaques on the scleral surface, clinically termed “pingueculae.” If a pinguecula significantly affects cosmetic appearance or causes ocular discomfort, surgical removal may be considered based on individual patient needs. In most cases, however, patients whose scleral color changes result solely from localized factors do not require specific treatment or surgery.

Yellowing of the sclera may stem from either systemic or local causes:
Systemic causes: Hepatitis and jaundice are common systemic conditions associated with scleral yellowing. Patients presenting with yellow sclera must undergo thorough medical evaluation, as this finding may signal underlying systemic diseases such as hepatitis or jaundice.
Local causes: Common local etiologies include pingueculae and pigmented nevi. Chronic or recurrent conjunctivitis, as well as prolonged use of certain topical ophthalmic medications, may also alter scleral appearance—causing haziness, pigment deposition, or color changes.

When the cause of scleral yellowing remains unclear, patients should seek medical evaluation at a healthcare facility. Blood tests—including a complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests—are often necessary to identify the underlying cause and guide targeted treatment. We hope this information proves helpful!