The Eye
The eye consists of two external components: the white part known as the sclera and the colored part that houses the pupil. At times, the white portion may appear yellowish, a condition referred to as jaundice. This condition can arise from various causes and presents differently in infants compared to older children and adults. This article aims to clarify the causes and complications of eye yellowing in both demographics.
Jaundice in Newborns
It is common for newborns to experience yellowing of the skin and eyes, a condition typically not alarming if it’s mild. This physiological jaundice generally resolves within approximately two weeks after birth. However, if the jaundice is severe, it may lead to serious health issues that can affect the child’s wellbeing throughout their life, such as cerebral palsy or damage to specific brain centers that influence the senses of hearing and vision. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a physician to assess the bilirubin levels in the blood. Frequently, elevated bilirubin is accompanied by feeding difficulties and unusual eye movements. During pregnancy, the mother’s liver manages the removal of aged and broken blood cells from the fetus, but after birth, this responsibility shifts to the newborn’s liver, which may not function optimally in the first few days. Nevertheless, certain pathological causes may include:
- Obstruction of the bile duct, which carries bile produced from the breakdown of blood for the gallbladder.
- Liver disease.
- Blood-related issues such as hereditary conditions.
Jaundice in Adults
In contrast to newborns, yellowing in older children and adults often indicates an underlying disease, which may include:
- Pancreatitis.
- Viral hepatitis, or liver damage due to substance abuse or specific medications.
- Gallstones.
- Malaria.
- Pancreatic cancer.
- Hemolytic anemia, which results from increased destruction of red blood cells, thereby increasing the workload on the liver.
- Stricture of the bile duct.
- Liver cancer.
- Insufficient blood or oxygen supply to the liver.
- Pterygium, a condition caused by sun exposure, unrelated to bilirubin levels.
- Sickle cell anemia, which leads to abnormal shapes of red blood cells, prompting the liver to eliminate them, thus raising the rate of red blood cell breakdown.
Symptoms Accompanying Eye Yellowing
Often, several additional symptoms may accompany jaundiced eyes if an underlying condition exists. These symptoms vary depending on the disease, so the presence of any of the following symptoms along with eye yellowing warrants a consultation with a healthcare professional:
- Abdominal pain.
- Changes in urine color.
- Loss of appetite.
- General weakness.
- Nausea.
- Weight loss.
- Itching.
- Fever.
- Changes in stool color.
Video on Eye Yellowing
For further information on the yellowing of the eyes, please refer to the following video.