What happens to the sclera in the presence of jaundice?

In the presence of jaundice, the sclera, which is the white outer coat of the eyeball, turns yellow. This yellowing occurs due to an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, a condition that arises from liver dysfunction, hemolysis, or obstruction of bile flow. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells, and when the liver is unable to process it properly, it builds up and is deposited in various tissues, including the sclera. This is why jaundice is clinically characterized by yellowing of the skin and the eyes, with the sclera often being one of the most noticeable manifestations.

The other options describe conditions that do not reflect the typical changes observed in the sclera due to jaundice. For instance, a cloudy appearance or redness may suggest other underlying conditions, such as conjunctivitis or inflammation, while shrinking is not associated with jaundice; rather, it might relate to changes in the eye due to other medical conditions.