The Eye Is Speaking: Scleral Icterus Is a Missing Clue to Hidden Illness

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:18:53 +0000

The Eye Is Speaking: Scleral Ictericus Is a Missing Clue to Hidden Illness When it comes to uncovering silent or hidden illnesses, medicine often looks beyond the obvious—beyond blood tests, imaging, and physical exams. One such overlooked but powerful indicator may be found not inside the body, but visible in the eye. A rarely discussed sign—scleral icterus—can offer critical insights into systemic disease, acting as a key window into broader health problems. ### What Is Scleral Ictericus? Scleral icterus is a clinical finding characterized by the yellow discoloration of the sclera—the white part of the eye—resulting from bilirubin deposition in the conjunctival tissues. While jaundice typically presents with yellowing of the skin and extremities, scleral icterus appears subtly, often missed during routine eye exams. Though primarily associated with elevated blood bilirubin levels, its presence can signal serious underlying conditions such as hemolysis, liver dysfunction, cholestatic disorders, or even hematologic malignancies.