


Scleral icterus can happen with either form. Hepatitis A and Bīoth infections directly affect the liver and can lead to damaging consequences. The infection may affect the cells of the liver by forming an obstruction and increasing the bilirubin levels. This herpes virus strain is generally referred to as mono. It can cause serious damage to the liver, preventing it from working as a filtration system. Alcoholic HepatitisĬaused by excessive alcohol use, alcohol hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. The condition can occur with any gallbladder disease. It can also cause pain in the upper right abdominal region, which can radiate to the shoulder or back. More commonly known as a gallbladder attack, this condition may cause scleral icterus as a gallstone can block the bile duct. Once this is done, the eye color will return to normal. To stop or prevent scleral icterus, the root cause must be determined and treated. This can happen before, during, or after the expected processing in the liver, depending on the underlying cause behind the liver function failure.

Scleral Icterus Causesĭue to improper functioning of the liver, the bilirubin is not expelled, and it remains in the blood to circulate throughout the body, including the eyes. This coloring can fall into one of three classifications: pre-hepatic, hepatic, and post-hepatic scleral icterus. It causes the whites of the eyes to darken, ranging from a bright yellow to dark orange color. It is important to note that scleral icterus is a symptom and not a disease or disorder. When the liver is not working as expected, the bilirubin levels increase in the blood, resulting in scleral icterus. Bilirubin is orange and yellow in color, and is created by the breakdown of red blood cells. It is linked to liver disorders as bilirubin, a pigment, passes through the organ before being expelled from the body. What Is Scleral Icterus?Ī classic scleral icterus definition refers to the excessive presence of bilirubin in the bloodstream, causing the yellowish coloration of the eyes. We will look at the symptom referred to as scleral icterus and other symptoms that may be associated with the conditions behind it. The discoloration may be resolved once the condition itself is treated or at least managed under close medical supervision. Scleral icterus can also be the sign of an obstruction of blood flow preventing the body from eliminating its waste. If you notice the whites of your eyes, or the sclera, suddenly turn a shade of yellow, take heed, as it may indicate an underlying health problem with your liver. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.
