HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Jaundice That Can Be Seen In The Eyes?

default
Posted on Thu, 5 Sep 2013
Question: When jaundice starts, do the whites of the eyes turn from white to yellow or can the beginning of jaundice start from red bloodshot eyes, that turn yellow?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (28 minutes later)
Hi thanks for using healthcare magic

Jaundice is due to a build up of bilirubin in the body. This occurs for different reasons including increased production of bilirubin, factors affecting its metabolism or problems related to its excretion from the body.

Jaundice would cause a yellow colour to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. In terms of the eyes there would be a change from white to yellow. There would be no red initially.

Redness of the eyes can be due to infection or inflammation in the eye. The redness is related to either dilation of blood vessels or a bleed.
When blood breaks down in the eye, it turns yellow or brown.
This is not jaundice, it it the breakdown of the blood and is a normal stage of this particular process.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Jaundice That Can Be Seen In The Eyes?

Hi thanks for using healthcare magic

Jaundice is due to a build up of bilirubin in the body. This occurs for different reasons including increased production of bilirubin, factors affecting its metabolism or problems related to its excretion from the body.

Jaundice would cause a yellow colour to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. In terms of the eyes there would be a change from white to yellow. There would be no red initially.

Redness of the eyes can be due to infection or inflammation in the eye. The redness is related to either dilation of blood vessels or a bleed.
When blood breaks down in the eye, it turns yellow or brown.
This is not jaundice, it it the breakdown of the blood and is a normal stage of this particular process.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions