The yellow eyes usually appear when there is an excessive accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, a substance that is produced by the liver and, therefore, is altered when there is a problem in that organ, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, for example.
However, yellow eyes are also very common in newborns, known as neonatal jaundice, but in these cases, it usually happens because the liver is not yet fully developed, and treatment with special lights is necessary to eliminate excess bilirubin. of the organism. Better understand what neonatal jaundice is and how it is treated.
So, when this symptom arises, it is important to see a general practitioner for diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, ultrasound or tomography, and to identify if there is any change in the liver, or in the organs of the digestive system, that needs to be treated.
Because dark urine can also appear
The appearance of dark urine associated with the presence of yellow eyes is a classic symptom of hepatitis, and for this reason, it is advisable to see a doctor in order to make the diagnosis of the disease by means of exams and then the treatment is started.
Hepatitis is a disease caused by viruses that can become chronic and, therefore, is not always curable, but treatment can prevent liver complications such as cirrhosis and improve the quality of life. Know how to recognize the symptoms of hepatitis.
What causes yellow eyes in newborns
The yellow eyes in the newborn are usually caused by a condition called neonatal jaundice, which is characterized by excess bilirubin in the baby's bloodstream.
This is common in newborns and does not always require treatment, it is only indicated that the baby is breastfed or takes a bottle every 2 hours to facilitate the elimination of intestinal waste.
However, if the jaundice gets worse or if the baby has very yellow eyes and skin, phototherapy can be used, in which the baby must remain at all times in an incubator with direct light on it, being removed only to be fed, to the diaper changes and for the bath.
Neonatal jaundice usually appears on the 2nd or 3rd day of the baby's life, being treated in the maternity ward, but if the baby has yellowed eyes and skin, talk to the doctor, especially if this yellowish tone is present in the baby's belly and legs, being easily identified.