Yellow Eyes (Jaundice Eyes): Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought—Why are my eyes turning yellow? This is not just a cosmetic change; it’s often your body’s first warning sign of something serious. Yellow eyes, medically known as jaundice eyes or yellowing of the sclera, usually mean that your blood has high levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that the liver normally clears. When the liver, gallbladder, or blood system is not functioning properly, bilirubin builds up, and the first place it shows is in your eyes.
In PCMC, Wakad, Punawale, and Pune, many people panic when they notice this sudden eye colour change—and rightly so. Yellow eyes can signal liver disease, gallbladder blockage, blood disorders, or even medical emergencies. The good news is that at Clairevision Eye Hospital, under the guidance of Dr. Archana Singh, one of the top eye specialists in Pune for yellow eyes, patients receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatments without delay.
What Are Yellow Eyes (Jaundice Eyes)?
Yellow eyes happen when the white part of your eyes (called the sclera) looks yellow. This happens when a compound called bilirubin builds up in your body and shows up in the whites of your eyes. Bilirubin is made when old red blood cells break down. Normally, your liver cleans it out. But if the liver isn’t working well or bile flow is blocked, bilirubin can build up and cause yellow eyes.
Common Causes of Yellow Eyes:
Here are key reasons yellow eyes may happen:
- Liver trouble: such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, or liver cancer
- Blockage in bile flow: gallstones, bile duct blockage, pancreas issues; bile can’t flow out, so bilirubin rises.
- Blood breakdown (hemolytic jaundice): when red blood cells break down too fast, too much bilirubin floods in.
- Genetic reasons: like Gilbert syndrome, a mild inherited condition where episodes of yellow eyes appear during stress or fasting, and rarer types like Dubin–Johnson or Crigler–Najjar syndromes.
- Newborn jaundice: common in babies; usually clears in days with simple treatment like phototherapy.
- Other causes: certain medicines or toxins, or a mild yellow patch on the eye due to the sun (pinguecula), though that’s not true jaundice.
Symptoms That Often Appear with Yellow Eyes:
Yellow eyes rarely occur alone. Watch for these warning signs:
- Dark urine and pale stools – classic liver/bile duct signs.
- Severe fatigue and weakness – body not detoxifying properly.
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
- Upper right abdominal pain – linked to liver or gallbladder.
- Unexplained weight loss – possible serious liver/pancreatic disease.
- Fever and chills – infection like hepatitis or cholangitis.
- Itchy skin – due to bile salts in the blood.
- Swelling in legs or abdomen – seen in advanced liver disease.
If yellow eyes come with dark urine, fatigue, or abdominal pain, seek medical care quickly.
When to See an Eye Specialist Immediately:
Yellow eyes can sometimes be a medical emergency. You should see a doctor without delay if:
- Yellow eyes appear suddenly within 24 hours.
- You have severe abdominal pain or fever.
- You feel confused, very drowsy, or disoriented (possible liver failure).
- You notice blood in vomit or stools.
- A newborn baby develops yellow eyes within the first 24 hours of life.
In Pune, Dr. Archana Singh at Clairevision Eye Hospital in Pune is known as one of the best eye specialists for yellow eyes, providing thorough eye and systemic evaluations.
How Yellow Eyes Are Diagnosed at Clairevision Eye Hospital:
At Clairevision Eye Hospital, diagnosis is done step by step:
- Clinical check-up: Eye examination under bright light, medical history, lifestyle factors, and family history.
- Blood tests:
- Liver function test (ALT, AST, ALP).
- Bilirubin test (direct and indirect).
- Complete blood count (to check anaemia).
- Hepatitis screening.
- Imaging scans: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to check the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
- Specialist coordination: Dr. Archana Singh works with hepatologists, gastroenterologists, or haematologists if needed.
This ensures patients in PCMC, Wakad, and Punawale get a clear and accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Yellow Eyes Offered at Clairevision Eye Hospital:
Treatment at Clairevision depends on the cause:
- For liver or hepatitis, refer to liver specialists, supportive care, and medications.
- For bile duct blockage or gallstones, surgical or specialist treatment is arranged via referrals.
- For hemolytic causes – treat underlying blood issue; may need transfusion or photo-therapy.
- For mild inherited jaundice (like Gilbert), usually no treatment is needed; lifestyle advice is given.
- For newborns – referral for phototherapy or safe management.
- Pinguecula or benign patches – simple removal if bothersome.
Clairevision ensures care is smooth, affordable, and nearby—be it Wakad, Punawale, or PCMC.
Can Yellow Eyes Be Prevented?
While some causes can’t be fully prevented (like genetic ones), you can reduce risk by:
- Avoiding excessive alcohol and harmful meds
- Keeping hepatitis vaccinations up to date
- Maintaining hygiene and safe drinking water to avoid infections like Hepatitis A
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet
- Regular health checkups for liver health
- Early check for any dark urine or tiredness
Simple care at home helps a lot.
Why Choose Clairevision Eye Hospital for Yellow Eye Concerns in Pune?
- Expert care from Dr. Archana Singh, with over 20 years of experience in eye health.
- Convenient locations in Wakad and Punawale, serving PCMC, Pune.
- Advanced technology and a friendly atmosphere for tests and referrals.
- Trusted by 30,000+ patients—a reputation built on care and results.
- Full-service vision centre—diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up all in one place
Get The Best Yellow Eyes Treatment in Pune:
Yellow eyes should never be ignored, as they may indicate liver disease, gallbladder blockage, or blood disorders. For accurate diagnosis and safe treatment, visit Clairevision Eye Hospital, one of the best eye hospitals in Wakad, and Punawale. Under the expert care of Dr. Archana Singh, a trusted eye doctor for yellow eyes in Pune, patients receive complete evaluation, advanced tests, and personalised treatment. Conveniently located at Theia Business Park, Siddhashiela Eela, Punawale, the hospital is easily accessible for nearby residents. Whether it’s sudden yellow eyes, jaundice in adults, or related eye concerns, timely medical attention can prevent complications. Book your appointment today at Clairevision Eye Hospital for the best yellow eye treatment in Pune.
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask):
It usually means bilirubin has built up in your body, often due to liver, bile duct, or blood issues, leading to jaundice.
Not always. There are blood-related or genetic causes too, like hemolysis or Gilbert syndrome. But liver issues are common.
Dehydration might make your eyes look dull, but true yellow eyes typically come from bilirubin, not dehydration.
It depends on the cause. In newborns, it may resolve within days. In adults, it may take weeks after proper treatment.
It can be. If associated with symptoms like dark urine, pale stools, fever, or stomach pain, it needs prompt medical attention.
An ophthalmologist can check your eyes, but often you’d also need a general physician or liver specialist. At Clairevision, Dr. Archana Singh provides the eye part and refers as needed.
