Yellow eyes, more commonly known as Jaundice (also referred to as पीलिया or पीलियारोग in Hindi), is a common occurrence among populations in the subcontinent, including India. Yellow eyes, also known as jaundice, present a noticeable discoloration in the whites of the eyes (sclera). While it may seem scary, yellowing eyes usually indicate a liver or gallbladder issue. This blog will discuss the causes of yellow eyes, their effects on both children and adults, and effective treatment and prevention strategies. The blog article, featuring expert input from Dr. Kashish Gupta of the eye department at Max Healthcare, Bathinda, Punjab, provides a reader-friendly and informative understanding of Jaundice, also known as Jaundice of the eye.
What Are Yellow Eyes? (पीलिया)
One of the leading causes of Jaundice, or Yellow Eyes, is the buildup of a chemical called bilirubin in the blood, which causes the eyes to appear yellow. Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. This is usually broken down by a healthy liver and then eliminated from the body through the digestive system. But if the liver suffers damage or the bile ducts get clogged, bilirubin can build up and turn the eyes or face yellow.
Causes o Yellow Eyes? (पीलिया)
The yellowing of the eye’s white parts can occur for multiple reasons. Which vary by age and health condition. The most common causes of yellow eye appearance could be.
1. Liver Disorders (जिगर की बीमारियाँ)
The liver processes bilirubin; if your liver is not functioning correctly, it can have severe consequences. Potentially functional disorders of the Liver could be a result of the following diseases.
- Hepatitis: A condition that causes inflammation of the liver and could be caused by several strains of the hepatitis virus, such as A, B, and C.
- Cirrhosis (जिगरकाफैलाव): Cirrhosis typically results from the scarring of the liver tissue from long-term damage. Cirrhosis is primarily brought on by a prolonged consumption of alcohol or by illnesses caused by viruses
- Liver cancer (जिगरकाकैंसर): Cancerous, uncontrolled growth of liver cells can affect its ability to process bilirubin.
2. Gallbladder Issues (पित्ताशय की समस्याएँ)
Bile that is produced by the liver is stored in the gallbladder for later use. If a gallstone or other blockage is present in the bile duct, it can prevent the release of bilirubin, which would cause the eyes to turn yellow.
3. Blood Disorders (रक्त संबंधी विकार)
People who suffer from certain blood illnesses, such as hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by the early breakdown of red blood cells, can develop jaundice and yellowing of the eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin production.
4. Viral Infections (वायरल संक्रमण)
One possible cause of yellow eye presentation could be that your liver can also become affected by viral infections, such as mononucleosis. This could also lead to Jaundice or Yellow Eye presentation.
5. Medications and Toxins (दवाइयाँ और विषैले पदार्थ)
Some drugs, especially those that work on the liver, can make you more yellow. People often get it because they take too much paracetamol. Many children and young adults experience this.
Symptoms of Yellow Eyes (पीलियाकेलक्षण)
The yellowish tint that appears in the sclera, which is the white component of the eye, is the most apparent symptom of yellow eyes. Several additional symptoms, including the following, may accompany yellow eyes:
- Dark urine (गहरे रंग का पेशाब): There is a possibility that the urine will become dark when the kidneys expel bilirubin that the liver is unable to handle.
- Pale stools (साफ़मल): Because bilirubin contributes to the color of the feces, a deficiency in it may cause the stool to appear white or clay-colored.
- Fatigue (थकान): People with Jaundice often feel tired because their livers aren’t working right or because of other health problems.
- Abdominal pain (पेट में दर्द): If you are experiencing abdominal discomfort, it is more noticeable in the upper right side of your abdomen, which is where the liver and gallbladder are situated
- Nausea and vomiting (मतली और उल्टी): People who have liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis may also have these signs.
Yellow Eyes in Children vs Adults (बच्चों और वयस्कों में पीलिया)
Neonatal Jaundice (नवजात शिशु में पीलिया): This is common in newborns, especially in the first few days of life, due to an immature liver. It usually resolves on its own within a few weeks as the baby’s liver matures. However, in severe cases, medical intervention may be required.
Genetic Disorders (जिनेटिक विकार): Some children may inherit conditions like Gilbert’s syndrome, where the liver doesn’t process bilirubin efficiently.
Slightly yellow eyes in adults
Slightly yellow eyes in adults can be a cause for concern; yet, in many instances, they may be an indication of a condition that is either minimal or transient. The presence of a yellowish tinge in the sclera, which is the white area of the eyes, is frequently an indication that something is wrong within your body, particularly with the liver, gallbladder, or blood. In this blog, we will discuss the symptoms to look out for, the various causes of slightly yellow eyes, and how to manage the condition. Adults are also more likely to develop Jaundice due to medication use, especially for those with underlying liver issues.
Two leading causes that can cause Jaundice and present as yellow eyes are:
Liver diseases (जिगर की बीमारियाँ) are the primary concern. Conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or alcohol abuse can lead to yellowing of the eyes.
Gallstones (पित्ताशय की पथरी) or bile duct obstruction can cause severe jaundice, especially in middle-aged adults.
Easy Treatment for Yellow Eyes(पीलिया का उपचार)
The treatment for yellow eyes largely depends on the underlying cause. We share expert tips from Dr. Kashish Gupta, a leading eye surgeon at Max Hospital, Bathinda, Punjab, to guide and help you manage yellow eye conditions.
1. Visit an Eye Doctor (डॉक्टर से सलाह लें):
First and foremost, you should see a doctor. If you have Jaundice, it may be a sign of a more serious problem that needs medical attention. To find out what’s wrong, your doctor will undertake blood tests, imaging studies (like an ultrasound), and, if required, even a liver biopsy.
2. Hydration and Nutrition (पानी और पोषण):
If the yellowing of the eyes is caused by a mild illness, such as newborn Jaundice or an infection, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help the liver function properly. “Please stay away from alcohol because it can further damage your liver,” emphasizes Dr Kashish Gupta.
3. Medication (दवाइयाँ):
Medications or antibiotics may be prescribed by doctors in cases of viral hepatitis or gallbladder problems to treat the infection or inflammation, respectively. Some medications can help reduce inflammation in the liver, such as antiviral drugs & steroids.
4. Phototherapy (for Neonates) (फोटो थेरपी):
Phototherapy is often used to treat babies with neonatal Jaundice. Extra bilirubin in the baby’s skin is broken down by special lights, which makes it easier for the liver to handle the condition effectively.
5. Surgical Procedures (सर्जिकल प्रक्रिया):
In cases of problems such as gallstones or obstructions in the bile ducts, surgical intervention may be necessary to either remove the obstruction or repair the bile ducts.
Prevention of Yellow Eyes (पीलिया से बचाव)
While some causes of yellow eyes are unavoidable, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:
Vaccination (टीका करण):
Vaccines for hepatitis (A and B) can protect you from viral infections that can lead to Jaundice.
Healthy Diet (स्वस्थ आहार):
A well-balanced diet, rich in antioxidants and low in fats, helps keep your liver healthy. Foods like leafy greens (पत्तेदार दार सब्ज़ियाँ), whole grains (अन्न), and lean proteins (प्रोटीन से भरपूर आहार) are great for liver health.
Limit Alcohol Consumption (शराब का सेवन सीमित करें):
Excessive alcohol use can lead to liver damage, so it’s important to drink in moderation or avoid it altogether.
Regular Health Check-ups (नियमित स्वास्थ्य जांच):
Regular blood tests and liver function tests can help detect potential liver issues early on, thereby preventing a concerning problem down the line.
Proper Medication Use (दवाइयों का सही उपयोग):
Medications, particularly painkillers such as acetaminophen, should never be taken in excess, and you must always adhere to the physician’s advice.
Yellow Eyes: Summary
Yellow eyes (पीलिया) can be unsettling, but most of the time, they can be treated by pinpointing the underlying causes. If you have a liver problem, gallbladder issue, or blood disorder, it’s essential to seek medical attention to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, living a healthy life, not drinking too much alcohol, and getting regular checkups will help keep liver problems from happening.
To treat Jaundice and yellow eyes effectively, it is essential to detect and diagnose them early. This helps with timely treatment and effective handling of the underlying causes of yellow eyes. “If your eyes start to become yellow, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor. Acting quickly can make a big difference in preventing any adverse potential situation“, concludes Dr Kashish Gupta, rated as the best eye doctor of Punjab
