Symptom

Yellow eyes

Yellow sclera may signal jaundice — see a doctor

Clinically reviewed · Last reviewed 2026-06-13

When to get urgent help

  • Yellow eyes with yellow skin, dark urine, pale stools or abdominal pain
  • Yellow eyes with fever, confusion or severe tiredness
  • Sudden yellowing with right-sided tummy pain or known liver disease
  • Yellow eyes in a newborn baby, which always needs prompt assessment

Common causes

Yellow sclera usually reflects a body-wide problem rather than a local eye condition. These related topics may help context, but see a doctor for jaundice.

Viral conjunctivitis Yellow discharge and crusting, but the white of the eye is usually red rather than yellow. Thyroid eye disease Bulging or irritated eyes with thyroid disease, not typically yellow sclera. Scleritis A very red, painful white of the eye, not the yellowing of jaundice. Conjunctivitis Red eye with discharge; true scleral yellowing suggests jaundice instead.

What can help

  • See a GP or urgent care promptly for yellowing of the sclera — do not wait for an optician alone
  • Note any yellow skin, dark urine, pale stools, tummy pain or recent illness
  • Seek emergency care for severe abdominal pain, confusion or fever with yellowing

Frequently asked questions

Are yellow eyes the same as jaundice?

Yellowing of the sclera is a common sign of jaundice, which is caused by high bilirubin levels. It often points to liver, bile duct or blood problems and needs medical assessment, not just an eye test.

Can yellow eyes be caused by an eye infection?

Infections like conjunctivitis cause yellow discharge and redness, but the white of the eye itself is not usually icteric yellow. True yellow sclera suggests jaundice until proven otherwise.

Should I see an optician for yellow eyes?

See a doctor first for yellow sclera. An optician can help with red eyes or vision problems, but jaundice needs blood tests and medical review to find the underlying cause.