Joey Graziadei has finally shed light on the mystery surrounding his yellow eyes, leaving many fans puzzled.
“The Bachelor” Season 28 star disclosed that he has Gilbert syndrome, a harmless liver condition that can affect eye color. In an Instagram video posted on Thursday, he shared that he was diagnosed in high school after being unwell for over a week. After multiple doctor visits, blood work, and a liver ultrasound, he received his diagnosis.
“At the end of the day, I am told that I am healthy. This condition affects the whites of my eyes, giving it a slightly yellow hue,” Graziadei explained. “It’s something I plan to monitor more closely this year to prioritize my health.”
The 28-year-old tennis instructor affirmed that he is healthy and managing his condition by paying attention to his fluid intake.
“The condition worsens with stress or lack of sleep, which are common on a TV show,” he added. “I appreciate everyone’s concern for my well-being. As far as I know, I am doing as well as I can be.”
What is Gilbert syndrome?
Gilbert syndrome is a common genetic condition that inhibits the liver from processing bilirubin efficiently, resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells.
This benign inherited condition is typically discovered incidentally when blood tests indicate elevated bilirubin levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment is not required for Gilbert syndrome.
Approximately 3% to 7% of Americans have Gilbert’s syndrome, with men being more affected than women, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic. Only one-third of individuals with the condition exhibit any symptoms.
How does Gilbert syndrome affect eye color?
Gilbert’s syndrome can occasionally cause yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to an excess build-up of bilirubin in the blood, as per the Cleveland Clinic. This side effect is not harmful.
Symptoms of Gilbert syndrome
Signs of Gilbert syndrome include the sporadic yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes, as per the Mayo Clinic.
Other common symptoms for individuals with Gilbert syndrome due to increased bilirubin levels include:
- Dehydration
- Illness like cold or flu
- Fasting or low-calorie diet
- Menstruation
- Stress
- Intensive exercise
Who is Joey Graziadei?
Graziadei hails from Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and works as a tennis instructor, according to his ABC bio.
He first appeared on reality TV in Season 20 of “The Bachelorette” with Charity Lawson, where he finished as the runner-up to Dotun Olubeko. In August, he was announced as the lead for “The Bachelor” in the upcoming season.
Who does Joey Graziadei choose? (Spoilers)
Graziadei proposes to account executive Daisy Kent, 25, from Becker, Minnesota, according to Reality Steve, a prominent Bachelor blogger.
Kent, Kelsey Anderson, and Rachel Nance are Graziadei’s final three, with Kent and Anderson progressing to the finals, as per Reality Steve. Graziadei reportedly proposed to Kent in Tulum, Mexico, at the end of the season.
Contributions by Emily DeLetter and Victoria Moorwood