Millions of Brits could be 'walking around' with the early signs of a common disease 'staring back at them in the mirror', an eye surgeon has warned. Doctors say the eyes can flag trouble with the liver long before the classic symptoms of liver disease, including tiredness, nausea and stomach pain, ever appear - and often before a blood test.
Jaundice as a red flag
A major red flag is jaundice, a yellowing of the whites of the eyes caused when a struggling liver can no longer clear a waste product called bilirubin from the blood. Mr Allon Barsam, consultant eye surgeon and founding partner of OCL Vision, said the eyes can act as an early warning system for a disease that often develops silently.
He explained: "The eyes are one of the few places on the body where we can actually see what is happening inside. A yellow tinge to the whites of the eyes is one of the earliest visible clues that the liver may be in trouble, and it’s something people dismiss far too easily."
Other eye clues
It's not the only clue. Soft, yellowish cholesterol deposits on or around the eyelids, known as xanthelasma, can indicate chronic liver problems that prevent the body from processing fats properly. A rare copper build-up linked to an inherited liver condition can leave faint brownish-gold rings around the coloured part of the eye. Some patients also notice their eyes becoming unusually dry, gritty or irritated, which can be linked to autoimmune forms of liver disease.
Mr Barsam added: "If you notice yellowing, unusual deposits on the eyelids or persistent dryness, please do not wait. By the time serious liver damage shows up elsewhere, precious time may already have been lost. Catching these signs early can make an enormous difference."
Liver disease in the UK
Liver disease is a serious and growing problem in the UK. Unlike several other major health issues, the death rates are increasing, making it the second leading cause of death for people under 65 in England and Wales. As many as 90% of these cases could be avoided. In England, there are over 82,000 hospital admissions each year due to liver disease. Anyone with any concerns or questions about their health or symptoms should speak to a GP.
The eye surgeon says much of the damage is preventable, and other experts stress that spotting it early gives patients the best chance of successful treatment. Mr Barsam urged anyone worried about changes to their eyes to see their GP or optician rather than assume it will pass.
"An eye test is about far more than checking your vision," he said. "Sometimes it can be the first step to catching a life-threatening illness in time."
Types of liver disease
According to the NHS, there are several types of liver disease, each with different causes. Common types include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (caused by being very overweight), hepatitis (viral infection or excessive alcohol), haemochromatosis (inherited gene), primary biliary cholangitis (immune system problem), and alcohol-related liver disease (regularly drinking too much alcohol).
