The appearance of yellow and bloodshot eyes can be a cause for concern. While these changes may seem alarming, they stem from a range of conditions, from minor and temporary to more significant underlying health issues.
Understanding the Symptoms
The yellowing of the white part of the eye, known as the sclera, is a sign of jaundice. This discoloration occurs due to an excess accumulation of bilirubin in the body’s tissues. Bilirubin is an orange-yellow substance produced when old red blood cells naturally break down. Normally, the liver processes this bilirubin, which is then excreted from the body. When the liver cannot process bilirubin efficiently or if there is excessive red blood cell breakdown, bilirubin levels rise, leading to the characteristic yellow tint in the eyes and skin.
Bloodshot eyes, or conjunctival injection, result from the dilation and congestion of tiny blood vessels located in the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids. These vessels, normally almost invisible, become prominent and red when irritated or inflamed.
Common Causes
Prolonged visual tasks, like reading or computer use, can cause eye strain or fatigue, contributing to redness. Insufficient sleep also commonly results in bloodshot eyes, as rest allows the eyes to recover and reduces irritation.
Environmental elements often play a role, with irritants such as smoke, dust, or chlorine causing direct irritation and inflammation of the eye’s surface. Allergies are another frequent cause, as exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander triggers the release of histamine, leading to redness, itching, and watery eyes.
Dry eyes, a condition where the eyes do not produce enough quality tears to stay lubricated, can also result in redness and discomfort. Tears are essential for washing away irritants and keeping the eye surface smooth. Minor infections, such as viral conjunctivitis (pink eye), are highly contagious and typically cause red, watery eyes, often alongside cold symptoms. Alcohol consumption can also contribute to bloodshot eyes due to its dehydrating effects on the body, which can impact ocular moisture.
More Serious Underlying Conditions
Liver diseases, including hepatitis and cirrhosis, are significant causes of yellow eyes. In these conditions, the liver’s ability to process bilirubin is impaired, leading to its buildup and the characteristic yellowing of the sclera. Cirrhosis, a late stage of liver scarring, reduces the liver’s function, making it unable to filter bilirubin effectively.
Problems with the gallbladder or bile ducts can also cause yellow eyes. Blockages, often by gallstones, prevent bile (which contains bilirubin) from reaching the digestive tract, causing bilirubin to back up into the bloodstream. Certain blood disorders, such as hemolytic anemia, involve the premature destruction of red blood cells. This rapid breakdown releases excessive bilirubin, overwhelming the liver’s capacity to process it and leading to jaundice.
Severe eye infections present with bloodshot eyes and may include bacterial conjunctivitis, characterized by sticky discharge and intense redness. Uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea), can cause significant redness, pain, and light sensitivity. Keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, also leads to redness, pain, and sometimes vision changes. A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel breaks beneath the conjunctiva, resulting in a bright red patch on the white of the eye. Acute angle-closure glaucoma, a sudden increase in eye pressure, is a medical emergency that can cause severe eye pain, blurred vision, and intense redness.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if yellow and bloodshot eyes are accompanied by additional concerning symptoms. A sudden onset or rapid worsening of the condition warrants professional evaluation. Accompanying pain, changes in vision such as blurriness or sensitivity to light, or discharge from the eye, particularly if it is thick or discolored, are signs that require medical consultation.
Other systemic symptoms like fever, unusual fatigue, nausea, or abdominal pain, alongside yellow eyes, can indicate a more serious underlying condition affecting the liver or other organs. If eye symptoms persist for more than a few days despite home care, or if there is a known history of liver disease, a doctor should be consulted. Any yellowing or redness that occurs after an eye injury should prompt immediate medical assessment.
Home Care and Prevention
For mild cases of bloodshot eyes, several home care practices can offer relief. Resting the eyes by reducing screen time and ensuring adequate sleep can help alleviate fatigue-related redness. Using over-the-counter artificial tears can provide moisture and help flush out minor irritants, soothing dry or irritated eyes. Applying a cool compress to the eyes can also reduce swelling and redness.
Preventing recurrence involves identifying and avoiding known irritants like smoke, dust, or harsh chemicals. For those with allergies, minimizing exposure to triggers such as pollen and pet dander, keeping windows closed, and using air purifiers can be beneficial. Practicing good eye hygiene, including frequent hand washing and proper contact lens care, helps prevent infections. Staying adequately hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day also supports overall eye health and tear production.