Many people wonder if dehydration can cause their eyes to turn yellow. While dehydration can certainly affect eye health, the yellowing of the eyes typically indicates a different underlying issue. Understanding the actual causes of yellow eyes and how dehydration impacts your vision can help clarify these concerns.
What Yellow Eyes Indicate
The white part of the eye, known as the sclera, should naturally appear white. When it turns yellowish, this is called scleral icterus, a visible sign of jaundice. Jaundice results from too much bilirubin, a yellow pigment from broken-down red blood cells, in the bloodstream.
Normally, the liver processes bilirubin for excretion, mainly through bile and stool. If this process is disrupted—due to overproduction or impaired liver function—bilirubin accumulates. This excess then deposits in tissues like the skin and eyes, causing yellow discoloration.
How Dehydration Affects Your Eyes
Dehydration, caused by losing more fluid than consumed, affects various bodily functions, including eye health. While it does not yellow the eyes, it can cause other uncomfortable symptoms.
Reduced fluid decreases tear production, leading to dry eyes with a gritty sensation, irritation, redness, or burning. Severe dehydration may also cause sunken eyes due to fluid loss in surrounding tissues. Other visual disturbances like blurred vision or increased light sensitivity can occur. These symptoms differ from yellowing caused by bilirubin and typically resolve with rehydration.
Primary Causes of Yellow Eyes
Yellow eyes are a sign that the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas may not be functioning correctly.
Liver Diseases
Liver diseases are common causes, including hepatitis (liver inflammation, often viral), cirrhosis (liver scarring), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which impairs liver function.
Gallbladder and Bile Duct Issues
Gallbladder and bile duct issues can also cause yellow eyes. Gallstones, small deposits in the gallbladder, frequently block bile ducts, preventing bilirubin excretion. Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or bile ducts (cholangitis) can similarly obstruct bile flow and lead to jaundice.
Pancreatic Disorders
Pancreatic disorders, such as pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation) and pancreatic cancer, can cause yellow eyes if they block the bile duct.
Blood Disorders and Genetic Conditions
Certain blood disorders, like hemolytic anemia (premature red blood cell destruction), can lead to bilirubin accumulation by overwhelming the liver. Genetic conditions such as Gilbert’s syndrome, a common and usually harmless condition, can also cause slightly elevated bilirubin and occasional yellowing.
Medications
Some medications, including certain antibiotics, acetaminophen, and NSAIDs, can induce liver injury or affect bilirubin processing, leading to jaundice.
Seeking Medical Advice
Yellow eyes warrant prompt medical attention, as they signify a potential underlying health condition requiring professional diagnosis and treatment. Delaying evaluation can lead to complications, as many causes of jaundice are serious.
A healthcare provider can perform necessary tests, such as blood work for bilirubin and liver enzyme levels, and imaging studies to determine the specific cause. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which is important for managing the condition and preventing further health issues. Consulting a doctor ensures accurate assessment and an appropriate treatment plan.