Yellow eyes occur when the sclera, the typically white part of the eye, takes on a noticeable yellowish hue. This discoloration is often indicative of jaundice, a symptom associated with a range of underlying health conditions rather than a standalone ailment. Notably, yellow eyes can serve as an early warning sign or the sole manifestation of an underlying problem.
Understanding Pre-Hepatic Jaundice
Pre-hepatic jaundice is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excessive unprocessed bilirubin in the blood. This occurs when the rate at which red blood cells break down surpasses the liver’s capacity to remove bilirubin effectively. Bilirubin, an orange-yellow by-product produced during the breakdown of old red blood cells, is normally eliminated by the liver. However, in cases of pre-hepatic jaundice, the liver becomes overwhelmed by the high levels of bilirubin, leading to its buildup in the bloodstream. The primary cause of pre-hepatic jaundice is often attributed to a condition known as hemolytic anemia.
Hepatocellular Jaundice
Hepatocellular jaundice, also known as intrahepatic jaundice, occurs when the liver cells experience dysfunction. The liver’s function can be compromised by conditions such as cirrhosis, which involves the scarring of liver tissue and may even result in necrosis, a state where liver cells become extensively damaged and die. As a consequence, the liver becomes incapable of effectively breaking down hemoglobin, resulting in an accumulation of bilirubin in the body.