It could be a sign of jaundice if you've noticed your eyes turning yellow. Jaundice occurs when an excess amount of bilirubin builds up and saturates the skin and whites of the eyes – giving them a telltale yellow hue.

While jaundice is usually harmless, there can be underlying medical causes, some more serious than others. This blog post’ll discuss what causes yellow eyes in adults, common signs accompanying discolored eye whites, and how to diagnose and treat this condition.

Most Common Causes of Yellow Eyes

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus that can lead to yellow eyes. As the liver struggles to function properly, bilirubin levels increase dramatically in such conditions. This causes jaundice, which makes skin and eye whites turn yellow. Symptoms of hepatitis include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Jaundice, joint discomfort, light-colored feces, and dark urine are further symptoms. Hepatitis can cause significant issues like cirrhosis (liver scarring) or cancer if it is not addressed. Depending on the etiology, hepatitis has different treatments. Rest, drinks, and doctor-prescribed drugs are typically part of the treatment.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder. They often comprise cholesterol, bile salts, and bilirubin (a product of red blood cells). Gallstones can block the normal flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine, which can cause a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. This can lead to yellow eyes, which is known as jaundice. Other symptoms of gallstones include abdominal pain and nausea after eating fatty foods.

Drinking too much alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can cause yellow eyes in adults. This is because alcohol consumption can increase the amount of bilirubin in the body and lead to jaundice. The higher levels of bilirubin will accumulate in the skin and whites of the eyes, giving them a yellow hue. Other symptoms accompanying drinking too much alcohol include headaches, fatigue, confusion, poor appetite, and vomiting.

Drinking too much alcohol can also damage the liver. This is because excessive alcohol consumption can cause fatty deposits to form on the organ's cells, which leads to inflammation and scarring. As a result, the liver may not process bilirubin correctly, and levels will increase.

Liver infection

Another cause of yellow eyes in adults is a liver infection. Various types of viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause this. These infections can irritate and damage the liver cells, leading to inflammation and scarring.

As with alcohol consumption, the body won't be able to process bilirubin correctly, and levels will increase. Other symptoms associated with a liver infection include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice.

Certain medicines

Certain medications can also cause yellow eyes in adults. Medicines such as antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and antipsychotic medications can lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the body, resulting in jaundice. People taking these medications should know the potential side effects and look for signs of jaundice.

Also, certain medicines can cause liver damage, such as acetaminophen and other painkillers. When the liver is damaged, it won't be able to process bilirubin correctly, and levels will increase, leading to jaundice. Other symptoms associated with taking certain medications include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine, and fatigue.

A reaction to a blood transfusion

Reactions to a blood transfusion can also cause yellow eyes in adults. This is because when the body gets foreign blood, it triggers an immune reaction which can lead to liver inflammation. This inflammation damages the cells, causing them to produce more bilirubin than usual and leading to jaundice.

Other signs of a reaction to a blood transfusion include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It's important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms after a transfusion.

Malaria

Malaria can also lead to yellow eyes in adults. This is caused by a parasite that lives in red blood cells and affects the liver, accumulating bilirubin in the body. Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Other symptoms associated with malaria are jaundice and dark urine. Left untreated, it can cause serious complications such as organ failure or death. Treatment for malaria includes medications prescribed by a physician, such as antimalarial drugs. It's important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you have malaria symptoms so that it can be diagnosed and treated quickly.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a serious condition that can also cause yellow eyes in adults. It's caused by long-term damage to the liver, leading to scarring and inflammation. In cirrhosis, the liver cannot process bilirubin correctly, leading to increased levels of this compound and jaundice. Other symptoms associated with cirrhosis include fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and weight loss.

Cirrhosis can lead to life-threatening complications such as liver failure or cancer if left untreated. Treatment for cirrhosis depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications or lifestyle changes prescribed by your doctor.

Cancer

Cancer can also cause yellow eyes in adults. Certain types of cancer, such as liver, pancreatic, and gallbladder cancers, can lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the body and jaundice. Other symptoms associated with these cancers include abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and dark urine.

It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms so that the underlying cause can be diagnosed and treated promptly. Cancer treatment usually involves surgery or medications prescribed by a physician.

Hemolytic anemia

Hemolytic anemia is another cause of yellow eyes in adults. This occurs when red blood cells are destroyed more quickly than the body can replace them, leading to a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream and jaundice. Other symptoms associated with hemolytic anemia include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, dark urine, and abdominal pain.

Treatment for hemolytic anemia depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications or lifestyle changes prescribed by your doctor. It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms so they can be diagnosed and treated promptly.

Yellow Eyes in Infants

It's important to note that yellow eyes in infants can also indicate jaundice. This is because newborns have an immature liver which, combined with a high level of bilirubin production, can lead to elevated levels of bilirubin in the body and jaundice.

Other symptoms of infant jaundice include pale skin, fatigue, lethargy, and poor feeding. It's important to seek medical attention if your infant has any of these symptoms so that it can be diagnosed and treated promptly. Treatment for jaundice usually involves phototherapy or medications prescribed by a physician.

FAQs

Can dehydration cause yellow eyes?

Dehydration can cause a yellowish discoloration in the whites of the eyes, but this is not usually caused by bilirubin buildup. Instead, it is due to electrolyte imbalance and can be corrected through increased hydration.

How to Get Rid of Yellow Eyes?

The best way to get rid of yellow eyes is to treat the underlying cause. This may involve medications or lifestyle changes your doctor prescribes, such as taking antibiotics for an infection, avoiding alcohol consumption, and making dietary changes. It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms associated with yellow eyes so that it can be diagnosed and treated promptly.

Can Yellow Eyes Be Permanent?

Yellow eyes usually aren't permanent but can become chronic in some cases. This depends on the underlying cause and how well it's being managed. It's important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience any symptoms associated with yellow eyes so that it can be diagnosed and treated promptly.

Conclusion

Yellow eyes in adults can have a variety of causes, from medications to cancer. It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms associated with yellow eyes so that it can be diagnosed and treated promptly. Treatment for the underlying cause may involve medications or lifestyle changes your doctor prescribes. Additionally, it's important to note that yellow eyes in infants indicate jaundice and should be addressed promptly.