1. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

Subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when small blood vessels in the eye rupture and leak. This results in the appearance of bright red blood pooling in the eye. As the blood is broken down and cleared from the eye during the healing process, its color changes to yellow.

The causes of subconjunctival hemorrhage include trauma, coughing or sneezing too hard, rubbing the eyes, vomiting, and certain infections. However, sometimes, such hemorrhages can be a warning sign of a medical condition, such as diabetes, hypertension, blood disorders, leukemia, or sickle cell anemia.

2. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas (the organ that produces enzymes necessary for digestion). Symptoms of this disease include sudden attacks accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and yellowing of the eyes (jaundice). These acute attacks can recur over time, become chronic, and damage the pancreas.

Pancreatitis can be caused by various factors, ranging from alcohol consumption, certain medications, inflammatory bowel disease, high triglyceride and calcium levels, pancreatic cancer, viral or bacterial infections, exposure to toxic chemicals, abdominal trauma, or structural issues supporting the pancreas.

3. Hyperbilirubinemia

Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition in which there is a high level of bilirubin in the blood, causing the skin and eyes to turn yellow. Bilirubin is formed when the liver breaks down old red blood cells and is excreted through bile into the intestines to aid in fat digestion. Subsequently, bilirubin is excreted through feces, giving it a brown color.

There are several reasons why bilirubin levels may be elevated, ranging from liver disease, obstructed bile ducts, hemolytic anemia, or genetic disorders such as Gilbert's syndrome. Some medications, whether over-the-counter, prescription, or herbal supplements, can also affect the liver, especially if consumed over a long period.

4. Alcohol

Consuming alcohol improperly (excessively and in large amounts) can lead to a condition called alcohol use disorder. As a result, the liver is at high risk of impaired function. If the liver is damaged, its typical symptoms will manifest in yellowing of the eyes and skin.

Excessive alcohol consumption can jeopardize health conditions, including liver damage.

5. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which can affect humans and animals. Symptoms include fever, cough, headache, and abdominal pain. Additionally, some individuals may also experience yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). This infection often occurs in warm areas and places contaminated with animal urine.

6. Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia is a blood disorder in which the body breaks down red blood cells too quickly, resulting in a shortage of red blood cells (anemia). As previously mentioned, when red blood cells break down too quickly, bilirubin accumulates, causing a person's eyes to appear yellow.

There are several reasons why someone may develop hemolytic anemia. One of the main causes is inheritance from parents (inheriting certain genes), but it can also occur later in life due to infection, medications, cancer, or autoimmune diseases.

Hemolytic anemia can cause changes in the eyes and skin

Yellowing of the eyes can be a sign of various serious medical conditions. Starting from subconjunctival hemorrhage, pancreatitis, hyperbilirubinemia, excessive alcohol consumption, infections, and blood disorders. If experiencing this, seek medical attention promptly, as it could indicate a health problem that requires immediate assistance.

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