What Causes Yellowing of the Eyes?
Apr 11, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
1. Hepatobiliary diseases: Acute icteric hepatitis may develop in patients with hepatobiliary disorders, leading to yellowing of the sclera (jaundice).
2. Dietary factors: Regular consumption of foods rich in natural pigments—such as carrots, citrus fruits, and pumpkins—may contribute to yellow discoloration of the sclera.
3. Congenital disorders: Examples include congenital biliary atresia and congenital segmental bile duct dilatation.
Yellowing of the eyes (scleral icterus) refers to a uniform yellow discoloration of the sclera that occurs in certain diseases and is an important clinical sign of jaundice. Common underlying conditions include congenital biliary atresia, primary hepatocellular carcinoma, biliary tract tumors, alcoholic hepatitis, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic head cancer, and hepatitis B virus infection. So, what causes yellowing of the eyes? The following section addresses this question.
Causes of Yellowing of the Eyes
1. Hepatobiliary Diseases
Hepatobiliary disorders—such as acute icteric hepatitis—can lead to yellowing of the eyes. This condition primarily results from liver dysfunction causing bilirubin accumulation, which leads to yellow discoloration of both the skin and sclera. However, this pathological yellowing differs from the mild, physiological yellowish tint sometimes observed in healthy individuals. Additionally, chronic malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies may disrupt normal bilirubin metabolism, resulting in elevated serum bilirubin levels and subsequent scleral yellowing.
2. Dietary Factors
Frequent consumption of foods rich in natural pigments—such as carrots, citrus fruits, and pumpkins—may overwhelm the liver’s capacity to metabolize carotenoids, leading to elevated blood carotene levels. Excess carotene deposits in the skin’s keratin layer and mucosal surfaces, causing carotenemia and manifesting as yellowish discoloration—including of the eyes. Moreover, the conjunctival membranes covering the sclera readily bind with bilirubin, further contributing to scleral yellowing.
3. Congenital Disorders
Congenital conditions such as biliary atresia and congenital segmental bile duct dilation can cause scleral yellowing. Other associated conditions include alcoholic hepatitis, hepatitis B virus infection, acute suppurative cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and acute cholecystitis. Malignancies—including primary hepatocellular carcinoma, biliary tract tumors, cholangiocarcinoma, and pancreatic head cancer—as well as hepatic veno-occlusive disease, liver abscess, and amoebic hepatitis may also result in scleral icterus. It is advisable to use lubricating or anti-fatigue eye drops and ensure adequate rest.
The above outlines the main causes of yellowing of the eyes. We hope this information is helpful to you.
