Hepatitis A and yellow eyes

The yellow colour comes from bilirubin building up in the blood and tissues when the liver is inflamed or bile is not moving normally. Hepatitis A may also cause dark urine, nausea, reduced appetite, tiredness, or a general feeling of being unwell. Yellow eyes do not identify the cause by themselves; other liver and bile-duct problems can look similar, so testing is needed.

A clinician may ask when the colour change began, review medicines and travel or food exposure, examine you, and order blood tests such as a liver function test. The wider picture helps distinguish hepatitis A from other causes of jaundice.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly for an examination and appropriate blood tests. Until you have advice, avoid alcohol and do not start new supplements or non-prescription medicines without checking that they are suitable for your liver. Drink fluids as tolerated and choose small, simple meals if nausea or loss of appetite is present.

Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food. If hepatitis A is confirmed, ask how to reduce spread at home and whether close contacts need preventive advice or vaccination.

Seek urgent medical help if yellowing is accompanied by confusion, unusual sleepiness, severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, bleeding, or marked weakness. Seek prompt assessment for new yellow eyes even if you otherwise feel well, because jaundice needs a cause identified.

Ask which tests are needed, whether your symptoms fit hepatitis A, how to protect household contacts, which medicines or supplements to avoid, and what changes should trigger urgent review.