Yellow Eyes? What’s Behind This Warning Sign

16 Dec Yellow Eyes? What’s Behind This Warning Sign

Noticing yellowing in the whites of your eyes can be a cause for concern. While it might seem like a cosmetic issue, yellow eyes are a sign of a medical condition called jaundice. This yellowing occurs when there’s a buildup of bilirubin, a substance produced when red blood cells break down. Normally, the liver processes and excretes bilirubin through bile, but when there’s a disruption in this process, it can accumulate in the body and cause yellowing in the skin and eyes.

 

While jaundice may seem like a simple symptom, it’s important to understand that it often points to an underlying problem with your liver, gallbladder, or red blood cells. In this post, we’ll explore the causes behind yellow eyes, what symptoms to look for, and why it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you experience this warning sign.

 

What Causes Yellow Eyes?

Yellow eyes can be the result of various conditions, typically related to the liver, bile ducts, or blood. The key factor in the development of jaundice is the buildup of bilirubin, a waste product generated when red blood cells are broken down. Under normal circumstances, the liver filters bilirubin from the bloodstream, and it’s excreted into the intestines as part of bile. However, if there’s an issue with the liver or bile ducts, bilirubin can accumulate in the body, leading to a yellow tint in the eyes.

 

Liver Diseases

The liver plays a central role in processing bilirubin. When the liver is damaged, it may not be able to filter bilirubin efficiently, leading to a buildup in the blood. Several liver conditions can cause jaundice, including:

 

• Hepatitis: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections (like hepatitis A, B, or C). The inflammation impairs the liver’s ability to process bilirubin, causing jaundice.

 

• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis occurs when the liver becomes severely scarred due to chronic liver diseases, such as alcohol abuse or hepatitis. As the liver becomes scarred, it loses its ability to function properly, leading to a buildup of bilirubin.

 

• Liver Cancer: Tumours in the liver can obstruct the bile ducts, preventing bile and bilirubin from flowing out of the liver. This can lead to jaundice, as the bilirubin accumulates in the bloodstream.

 

• Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver. Over time, it can lead to inflammation and liver damage, which can result in jaundice if left untreated.

 

 

Bile Duct Obstructions

The bile ducts are responsible for carrying bile (and bilirubin) from the liver to the intestines. When the bile ducts are blocked, bilirubin cannot be excreted properly, leading to jaundice. Some common causes of bile duct obstruction include:

 

• Gallstones: Gallstones are hardened deposits that can form in the gallbladder. If a gallstone moves into a bile duct, it can block the flow of bile and cause a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream.

 

• Bile Duct Strictures: Strictures are narrowing or scarring of the bile ducts, which can be caused by infections, injuries, or previous surgeries. These strictures can block the normal flow of bile and lead to jaundice.

 

• Pancreatic Cancer: Tumours in the pancreas can grow and press on the bile ducts, causing obstructions. When bile cannot flow freely from the liver, it leads to a buildup of bilirubin, resulting in yellow eyes.

 

Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia refers to a condition where the body breaks down red blood cells too quickly. Red blood cells typically live for about 120 days before being broken down, but in hemolytic anemia, this process is accelerated. The rapid destruction of red blood cells leads to an increased amount of bilirubin being produced, which can overwhelm the liver’s ability to process it. This can result in jaundice and yellow eyes. Hemolytic anemia can be caused by:

 

• Sickle Cell Anemia: This genetic disorder causes red blood cells to become misshapen and break down prematurely.

 

• Thalassemia: Another inherited blood disorder, thalassemia causes abnormal hemoglobin production, leading to the premature destruction of red blood cells.

 

• Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy red blood cells, leading to their early destruction and an increase in bilirubin levels.

 

Genetic Disorders

Some genetic conditions can affect the liver’s ability to process bilirubin, resulting in yellowing of the eyes. One such condition is Gilbert’s syndrome, a relatively mild genetic disorder in which the liver doesn’t process bilirubin as efficiently. While this condition is usually harmless, it can lead to episodes of jaundice, especially during times of stress, fasting, or illness.

 

Another more severe genetic disorder is Crigler-Najjar syndrome, a rare condition in which the body lacks the enzyme needed to process bilirubin. This can lead to more persistent jaundice and requires treatment.

 

 

Symptoms to Look For

If you notice yellowing of the eyes, it’s important to pay attention to any other accompanying symptoms. Yellow eyes are usually just one part of a broader picture, and other signs might help indicate the underlying cause:

 

• Yellowing of the Skin: Along with the eyes, jaundice can also cause yellowing of the skin.
• Dark Urine: When bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream, it may be excreted through urine, turning it into a dark brown or tea-coloured shade.
• Pale Stools: The lack of bilirubin in the intestines can lead to pale or clay-coloured stools.
• Fatigue: Many liver or blood-related conditions that cause jaundice are also associated with feelings of fatigue, weakness, and overall malaise.
• Abdominal Pain: Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen can suggest a liver or gallbladder issue, such as gallstones, liver disease, or liver cancer.
• Itchy Skin: Jaundice caused by bile duct obstruction can lead to itching due to the accumulation of bile salts beneath the skin.
• Nausea and Vomiting: These are common symptoms associated with liver disease or bile duct blockages.

 

When To See A Doctor

If you notice yellow eyes or any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Yellowing of the eyes is not a condition in itself; it’s a symptom of an underlying issue. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to addressing the root cause before it leads to more severe complications.

 

A doctor will typically perform blood tests to assess liver function, bilirubin levels, and other markers that can help identify the cause. Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to look for blockages or tumours in the liver or bile ducts. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to determine the extent of liver damage.

 

If you’re experiencing yellowing of the eyes or any other eye health concerns, schedule an appointment with Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today. Our team provides comprehensive eye care and will guide you toward the best possible treatment.

 

You can book your appointment online at https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416-656-2020 for our Toronto location, or 416-661-5555 for our North York location. Your eye health matters!