黄疸是一种常见的症状，表现为皮肤、眼白和黏膜发黄。当我们看到有人出现这种现象时，通常会对其健康状态产生担忧。其中，巩膜的黄染是黄疸的一个明显特征。那么，为什么黄疸时巩膜会变黄呢？

黄疸是由于血液中的胆红素含量增加而引起的。胆红素是由红细胞代谢产生的一种物质。在正常情况下，老化的红细胞会被肝脏分解并排出体外。然而，当肝脏功能受损或胆道阻塞时，胆红素无法被正常排泄，导致其在体内堆积，进而导致黄疸的发生。

巩膜是眼球的外层薄膜，通常呈现出洁白的颜色。然而，当血液中的胆红素浓度升高时，胆红素会渗透进入巩膜组织中，使其呈现出黄色。这是因为胆红素具有一定的溶解性，可以穿过巩膜的微小血管和组织间隙，从而染黄了巩膜。

黄疸时巩膜呈现出黄色的程度可以反映出黄疸的严重程度。当胆红素含量较低时，巩膜可能只呈现出轻微的黄色。然而，当黄疸加重时，巩膜的颜色也会加深，呈现出明显的黄色。

治疗黄疸的方法主要包括针对病因的治疗和缓解症状的措施。对于由肝功能损害引起的黄疸，需要针对肝脏病变进行治疗，如肝炎或肝硬化等。而对于由胆道阻塞引起的黄疸，则需要通过手术或其他介入性治疗方法恢复胆道的通畅。

此外，在治疗期间，还可以采取一些措施来缓解黄疸症状。例如，适当饮食、休息和避免暴露在刺激性物质中。此外，定期到医院进行检查和随访也是很重要的，以便及时监测黄疸的变化和调整治疗方案。

总之，巩膜的黄染是黄疸的一个明显特征。当血液中的胆红素含量增加时，胆红素会渗透进入巩膜组织中，使其呈现出黄色。对于出现黄疸的人来说，及时找到病因并采取相应的治疗措施是非常重要的。只有通过有效的治疗，才能恢复正常的胆红素代谢，使巩膜重新恢复洁白。

Yellowing of the Sclera during Jaundice: Why Does it Happen?

Jaundice is a common symptom characterized by yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes. When we observe someone with jaundice, the yellowing of the sclera becomes an apparent feature. So why does the sclera turn yellow during jaundice?

Jaundice occurs due to an increased level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a substance produced from the metabolism of red blood cells. Under normal circumstances, aging red blood cells are broken down by the liver and eliminated from the body. However, when the liver function is impaired or there is a blockage in the bile ducts, bilirubin cannot be excreted properly, leading to its accumulation in the body and the occurrence of jaundice.

The sclera is the outer layer of the eyeball and typically appears white. However, when the concentration of bilirubin in the blood rises, it can penetrate the scleral tissues, causing them to turn yellow. This is because bilirubin has a certain degree of solubility and can pass through the tiny blood vessels and interstitial spaces of the sclera, resulting in its yellow staining.

The degree of yellowness in the sclera during jaundice can reflect the severity of the condition. When the bilirubin levels are low, the sclera may only show a slight yellowish tint. However, as jaundice worsens, the color of the sclera deepens, becoming distinctly yellow.

The treatment of jaundice primarily involves addressing the underlying cause and taking measures to alleviate symptoms. For jaundice caused by liver dysfunction, treatment should focus on addressing liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. In cases where jaundice is caused by bile duct obstruction, surgery or other interventional methods may be necessary to restore biliary flow.

Additionally, during treatment, certain measures can be taken to alleviate symptoms of jaundice. These may include maintaining a proper diet, getting adequate rest, and avoiding exposure to irritants. Furthermore, regular check-ups and follow-ups at the hospital are crucial for monitoring changes in jaundice and adjusting the treatment plan accordingly.

In conclusion, yellowing of the sclera is a prominent feature of jaundice. When the concentration of bilirubin in the blood increases, it can penetrate the scleral tissues, causing them to turn yellow. It is important for individuals with jaundice to identify the underlying causes and take appropriate measures for treatment. Only through effective treatment can normal bilirubin metabolism be restored, allowing the sclera to regain its whiteness.