Why are my eyes always bloodshot and a little yellow?!
Question: I've been wearing contacts for about 15 years, and in the last couple of years I've noticed my eyes always seem bloodshot. Also, looking in the rearview mirror of my car the other day on my way to work, I noticed that the whites of my eyes are also a little yellow. Could these both be related to contacts, or allergies, or maybe something with my liver? My skin isn't jaundiced at all, but I had undiagnosed gallbladder problems for years. I finally had it removed in June after my OBGYN diagnosed gallbladder disease. So maybe it is that? But if my gallbladder caused some liver damage, shouldn't it be healing by now? I'm kind of a hypocondriac, so I'm trying not to worry TOO much, and I'm not sure if I should see my doctor just because I feel like I already go there too much (hypocondriac..yeah). What do you think?
Answers: I've been wearing contacts for about 15 years, and in the last couple of years I've noticed my eyes always seem bloodshot. Also, looking in the rearview mirror of my car the other day on my way to work, I noticed that the whites of my eyes are also a little yellow. Could these both be related to contacts, or allergies, or maybe something with my liver? My skin isn't jaundiced at all, but I had undiagnosed gallbladder problems for years. I finally had it removed in June after my OBGYN diagnosed gallbladder disease. So maybe it is that? But if my gallbladder caused some liver damage, shouldn't it be healing by now? I'm kind of a hypocondriac, so I'm trying not to worry TOO much, and I'm not sure if I should see my doctor just because I feel like I already go there too much (hypocondriac..yeah). What do you think?
I would go to your doctor. He can tell
by a simple blood test if the yellowing is
something to be concerned about.
Under the liver, is where the gallbladder
sets. There are tube like structures,
known as ducts, where the bile flows
from "inside" the liver, to the gallbladder
to be stored and also to the intestines
to help in the digestion of fats we eat.
If you had gallbladder surgery, it may be
coming from that when it was removed...
but it could also be that the ducts may
be blocked in some way from the surgery,
or from infection starting. Anything that
prevents the flow of bile or backs the
bile up into the liver can cause the whites
of the eyes to turn yellow. There is a substance that is part of the bile known
as bilirubin which is a yellowish brown color
and it is what gives color to our stools in
the intestinal tract. Take notice to see
if your stools may appear lighter in color.
This bilirubin (in the bile) backing up into the liver will go out into the blood and your blood tests will pick it up as being at a higher level than normal.
I would definitely see about making
an appointment with your doctor to discuss
this. Just remember, the doctors are getting big bucks for their service to you, you aren't getting it for free. That makes you the boss.
The liver cells can be injured by
inflammation. As long as medication is
given and the cause of the inflammation
is removed early enough, the liver cells
can heal. If the inflammation continues
on, it can cause damage to the liver
cells.
have you been checked for hepatitis
Have your Liver and Kidneys checked.
I think you should give your doctor a call.
If your eyes are turning yellow, it usually means something is wrong with your liver. Simple blood tests will confirm a problem. It's better to be safe than sorry. Give him a call, what do you have to lose?
If this was an acute condition I'd tell you to go see a doctor or optometrist.
But if this is something that's been going on for a couple years I don't think you need to worry. Your contacts may just be irritating your eyes a little. Try using some moisturizing eyedrops and see if that helps.
If you're experiencing pain or if the yellow you're seeing in your eyes is more than just a hint of color, talk to a doc.
yellow eyes are symptoms of jaundace (watch your skin later), or a liver problem, or even somthing as simple as too much of one vitiman, call your eye doc. first and get an appt. go with what he says, then call your reg. doc just to be safe
Yellow eyes can be a sign of Jaundice, a somewhat serious infection, but it can be cleared up with antibiotics I believe. I'd see your eye doctor or general doctor to get an opinion ASAP. Best of luck