MedDroidSymptom guide
Yellow eyes: causes, warning signs & what to do
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed
Medically reviewedYellowing of the whites of the eyes is usually jaundice — a build-up of bilirubin, often from the liver or gallbladder. It always needs a doctor’s check.
Possible causes
Common causes of yellow eyes
- Viral hepatitis — hepatitis A and E (from contaminated food and water) are common in India
- Hepatitis B or C
- Gallstones blocking the bile duct — with pain in the upper right tummy
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Gilbert’s syndrome — harmless mild yellowing during illness or fasting
- Breakdown of red blood cells (haemolysis), or malaria
Self-care
What you can do now
- See a doctor — yellow eyes should not be self-treated
- Avoid alcohol completely until a doctor has checked your liver
- Drink safe, boiled or filtered water and eat freshly cooked food
- Do not take herbal or over-the-counter medicines without advice — some can harm the liver
Red flags
When to see a doctor urgently
- Confusion, drowsiness or unusual behaviour — call your local emergency number (108/112 in India)
- Vomiting blood or passing black stools
- High fever with chills and pain in the upper right tummy
- Yellow eyes in pregnancy, or in a newborn in the first day of life
Checks
Tests a doctor may suggest
Depending on your history and examination, a doctor may suggest some of these. Your doctor decides which, if any, you need.
Explore more
Related pages
References
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean if the whites of my eyes are yellow?
It usually means jaundice — too much bilirubin in the blood, commonly from hepatitis, gallstones or other liver problems. A blood test confirms it.
Can yellow eyes be harmless?
Sometimes. Gilbert’s syndrome causes mild yellowing without liver damage. But it should be confirmed by a doctor before assuming it is harmless.
Is a yellow patch on the white of the eye jaundice?
A small yellowish raised patch near the iris is often a pinguecula, which is harmless. Jaundice turns the whole white of the eye yellow.