What Causes Yellow Eyes? 4 Common Causes, Treatments, and Specialists
Your yellowing eyes could be a symptom of jaundice (jaune means yellow in French) or other liver diseases, alcohol abuse, or disorders affecting your gallbladder or pancreas. These causes account for over 85% of the cases, according to a study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. Treatment options range from changes in diet and lifestyle, to medication, or even surgery in severe cases. Home remedies can complement these treatments, while seeking timely medical assistance is crucial.
What is and isn't yellow eye?
Understanding the changes in eye color, especially when they turn yellow, is vital in diagnosing and treating potential underlying health conditions. Yellowing of the sclera (the white part of the eyes), medically known as icterus, signifies an accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow compound produced when the body replaces old red blood cells. This color change can indicate several health conditions, including liver diseases, alcohol abuse, gallbladder, or pancreatic disorders, among others.
Having the natural color of the iris being greenish-yellow or yellow doesn't mean you have yellow eyes.
4 Common Causes of Yellow Eyes
| Condition | Probability | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Jaundice and Liver Diseases | 35% | Management often involves treating the underlying condition causing jaundice, such as medications for liver diseases. |
| Alcohol Abuse | 30% | Reducing alcohol intake or complete abstinence, often combined with medical and psychological support. |
| Gallbladder or Pancreatic Disorders | 20% | Treatment depends on the specific disorder. This could range from dietary changes to surgery or other medical interventions. |
| Anemia, genetic disorders, and cancer | 15% | Treatment varies widely and should be determined by a healthcare professional. |
1. Jaundice and Liver Diseases (35% of cases)
Jaundice and liver diseases account for approximately 35% of yellow eyes cases. Jaundice occurs when the body's process of filtering out old red blood cells is disrupted, leading to a buildup of bilirubin and consequently yellowing of the eyes. Liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, often impair this essential function, causing yellowing.
2. Alcohol Abuse (30% of cases)
Alcohol abuse contributes to about 30% of yellow eye cases. Alcohol can cause significant liver damage, impairing its ability to filter out bilirubin, which leads to yellow eyes. Limiting alcohol intake or abstaining entirely can help prevent further damage and potentially reverse the yellowing.
3. Gallbladder or Pancreatic Disorders (20% of cases)
Gallbladder or pancreatic disorders contribute to 20% of yellow eyes cases. Disorders of these organs can disrupt the process of breaking down red blood cells, leading to excess bilirubin in the blood and causing yellow eyes.
4. Other Rare Causes (15% of cases)
Finally, other less common causes account for 15% of yellow eyes cases. These can include anemia, certain genetic disorders, and some types of cancer. Though less common, these causes are equally serious and require medical attention.
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Khang T. Vuong received his Master of Healthcare Administration from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. He was named Forbes Healthcare 2021 30 under 30. Vuong spoke at Stanford Medicine X, HIMSS conference, and served as a Fellow at the Bon Secours Health System.