Yellow Eyes Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Urgent Care

Yellow eyes disease appears as an indicator of hidden medical conditions within the patient. Billirubin accumulation inside the blood leads to the yellow discoloration of the eyes, which physicians call jaundice. This yellow discoloration is one possible indicator of liver conditions or disorders with the gallbladder or blood problems.

In this article, I’ll explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for yellow eye disease.

What Causes Yellow Eyes?

The primary cause of yellowing eyes is a high level of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. The liver functions to process bilirubin which it normally removes from the body. The bloodstream accumulates bilirubin, which becomes jaundiced when the liver or bile ducts malfunction.

1. Liver Diseases

Bilirubin processing functions as a major responsibility of your liver. A dysfunction of the liver caused by any liver disease creates yellowish eyes as a result. Common liver diseases include:

• Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E): The viral diseases known as Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E) result in inflammatory liver disease, which reduces your ability to process bilirubin.
• Cirrhosis: The scarring from chronic liver damage in cirrhosis leads to impaired liver functions, which impact efficiency. The main contributors to yellow-colored eyes are alcohol abuse and fatty liver disease.
• Liver Cancer: Liver Cancer represents a dangerous tumor that interferes with bilirubin breakdown within the liver.
• Liver Failure: When the liver loses its ability to function due to severe damage.

2. Gallbladder and Bile Duct Issues

When the gallbladder along with bile ducts work together to move bilirubin from the liver to your intestines. An obstruction within this system triggers bilirubin build-up, which results in jaundice development. Common problems include:

• Gallstones: Hardened deposits in your gallbladder that can obstruct bile flow.
• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder.
• Bile Duct Obstruction: A blockage proves detrimental to bile flow from the liver constitutes Bile Duct Obstruction.

3. Blood Disorders

High levels of bilirubin develop when blood disorders cause excessive destruction of red blood cells. These include:

• Hemolytic Anemia: The medical condition Hemolytic Anemia makes your red blood cells get broken down at a rate your body cannot sustain replacement of them.
• Sickle Cell Disease: It represents a genetic blood cell condition that results in progressive destruction among these cells.
• Thalassemia: An improper production of hemoglobin together with excessive breakdown of red blood cells defines Thalassemia as a condition.

4. Pancreatic Disorders

Pancreatic cancer and other pancreatic diseases can produce pancreatic blockages resulting in bilirubin accumulation within your liver because the bile duct remains blocked.

5. Newborn Jaundice

Neonatal jaundice arises often in newborns since their liver remains immature for bilirubin processing. Most cases of this medical condition show short-term development lasting until about a few weeks.

Symptoms of Yellow Eyes Disease

The appearance of yellow eyes is accompanied by additional symptoms that emerge from the underlying source of the condition. Common symptoms include:

Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Dark urine
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Itchy skin
• Fever (if an infection is present)

Diagnosis of Yellow Eyes Disease

Medical treatment must be obtained right away whenever you observe yellowing in your eyes. A series of diagnostic tests can include these three procedures.

1. Physical Examination

The examination will consist of checking yellowing across your skin and eyes as well as monitoring signs that indicate liver disease through abdominal checks.

2. Blood Tests

Blood tests serve two functions by measuring bilirubin concentration and evaluating liver operational status. Common tests include:

• Liver Function Tests (LFTs): The Liver Function Tests (LFTs) measure functional abilities of the liver through testing procedures.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Determines if you have a blood disorder.

3. Imaging Tests

• Ultrasound: Used to examine your liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
• CT Scan or MRI: Provides detailed images to detect tumors, blockages, or structural issues.

4. Liver Biopsy

A doctor may perform a biopsy to remove small tissue from the liver when conditions become severe for microscopic examination.

Treatment for Yellow Eyes Disease

The therapeutic approach to yellow eyes requires information about its basic explanation of symptoms. Here are some common treatments:

1. Medications

• Antiviral drugs: Used for hepatitis infections.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics serve as treatment when jaundice arises from infections.
• Steroids: For autoimmune liver diseases.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Your liver function will benefit from making health-conscious decisions while the symptoms of jaundice will decrease as a result.

• Avoid alcohol consumption: Alcohol damages your liver, worsening jaundice.
• Eat a healthy diet: The liver benefits from eating a balanced diet that includes many vegetables along with proteins which are lean and plenty of fruits.
• Stay hydrated: Saving your health through adequate hydration will help your body eliminate harmful substances.

3. Surgery or Medical Procedures

• Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy): A cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder becomes a recommended surgical solution when gallstones are the root cause of jaundice.
• Bile Duct Surgery: The procedure for bile duct surgery aims to eliminate blockages that block bile from flowing properly.
• Liver Transplant: In severe liver failure cases, a liver transplant may be the only option.

4. Home Remedies for Mild Jaundice

Home remedies such as lemon water along with turmeric milk and carrot or beetroot juice might support liver health in mild cases of jaundice.

• Lemon water: Helps detoxify your liver.
• Turmeric milk: Has anti-inflammatory properties that benefit liver health.
• Carrot or beetroot juice: Supports liver detoxification and function.

When to See a Doctor?

You must look for urgent medical assistance whenever you experience any of these symptoms.

• Sudden yellowing of your eyes and skin
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Confusion or drowsiness

Final Words

Yellow eye disease is a medical sign that reveals underlying liver or blood or gallbladder conditions in a person’s body. Never neglect the yellowing of your eyes since it signals a dangerous medical condition. Get medical help right away from a doctor after observing any symptoms for an accurate diagnosis and necessary treatment. A person can safeguard their liver function against jaundice development by leading a healthy lifestyle and staying away from alcohol while eating nutritious meals.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of yellow eye disease, you can take the necessary steps to protect your health and well-being.