Could there be anything wrong with my eyes?!
Question:
Could there be anything wrong with my eyes?
My sclera is always yellowish in colour. It has been this way for a few years. Is there something wrong with me?
Answers:
It is possible that may be experiencing mild jaundice, a problem where either the liver has trouble breaking down body chemicals (bilirubin, which is a left-over after old red blood cells are broken down) or where the bile ducts are clogged and cannot get rid of the waste. Normally, bilirubin is secreted through the intestines. As the yelowish toxins build up, they are stored in tissues such as the skin and sclera. Other symptoms include light-colored stool and darker urine.
If only portions of the sclera appear yellow, it is possible you may have something called a pinguecula, or thickening of the conjunctival tissue. These can sometimes become inflamed and get a little red. The good news is that they are fairly common, minimally problematic, and with good sun protection can be less bothersome (not cured).
Do you smoke? Tobacco can give a yellowish tinge to skin and eyes.
Ultimately, as a health care professional, I strongly urge you to seek medical attention, either to have your liver function evaluated or your eyes examined.