The human eye’s sclera is normally very white. Noticing the whites of your eyes (sclera) turning yellow can be rather concerning. Yellowing of the eyes is not like a sunburn, which fades after a time. You may think it’s because of something you ate or some particles getting into your eyes, but yellow eyes in adults usually indicate something else is going on. Jaundice occurs when there is an issue with the liver. In this article, we’ll discuss why this happens and what it means for your health.
What is Jaundice?
Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice occurs when the skin and eyes become yellow. This is caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a yellow waste product. Bilirubin is produced when the body breaks down old red blood cells which are to be removed by the liver.
Causes of Jaundice in Adults
Liver problems: When someone has liver conditions, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, it means their liver isn’t functioning properly. The liver is responsible for the processing of bilirubin, a yellow waste product produced by old red blood cells. However, when the liver is damaged by hepatitis or cirrhosis, it struggles to perform this function correctly. As a result, bilirubin can accumulate in the bloodstream, causing jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Blocked bile duct: Bile ducts are like pipes that convey bilirubin. The liver’s purpose is to process and remove bilirubin, which is then delivered by the bile ducts to the intestines for digestion. When the bile ducts become blocked, usually by gallstones, bilirubin cannot be delivered adequately, which leads to an accumulation in the bloodstream and produces jaundice.
Excessive red blood cell breakdown: The body breaks down red blood cells more quickly than usual when sickle cell anemia or other disorders are present. As a result of the breakdown process, a large amount of bilirubin is created when this occurs. The liver is in charge of breaking down bilirubin and removing it from the bloodstream, therefore an excessive amount of red blood cell breakdown may be too much for the liver to handle the increased bilirubin load. Consequently, the blood’s bilirubin levels increase, causing jaundice.
When Do You See A Doctor?
You should consult a doctor if you experience yellowing of the eyes, black urine, fatigue, or stomach pain. These signs may point to underlying medical conditions that require medical attention.
Conclusion
Adult jaundice occurs when the skin and eyes turn yellow. This can be caused by abnormalities with the liver or bile ducts, or when the body breaks down and excessive number of red blood cells. Yellowing of the eyes indicates a health problem that requires medical treatment.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to receive appropriate care and avoid complications. If the eyes are yellowing and there are other symptoms such as black urine, fatigue, or stomach pain, the next step is to consult a doctor right away.
