‘Bachelor’ Star Joey Graziadei Explains His Yellow Eyes

Bachelor” contestant Joey Graziadei has revealed that he has a common condition called Gilbert syndrome, which causes the yellow tone in his eyes.

Condition Causes High Bilirubin Count

In an Instagram video, Graziadei shared that he was diagnosed with Gilbert syndrome in high school after being sick and having blood tests show high bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a waste product from worn-out red blood cells processed by the liver.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Gilbert syndrome is a harmless liver condition where the organ can’t properly process bilirubin. Graziadei said while follow-up testing found his liver is healthy, the condition makes the whites of his eyes appear more yellow or jaundiced.

Symptoms Can Worsen With Stress

The tennis pro noted that stress and lack of sleep, common during television filming, can make his eye yellowing look more noticeable. As the current star of “The Bachelor,” airing Monday nights on ABC, those factors may be amplifying his symptoms.

“It’s something I want to pay more attention to going into this year. I want to get my health right,” Graziadei explained, saying he aims to find better ways to manage the syndrome.

Condition Thought to Impact 3-7%

Gilbert syndrome is estimated to impact 3–7% of the population. While harmless, it can indicate more serious liver conditions. Experts recommend patients maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet and avoid triggers like stress, dehydration, fasting, and sleep deprivation.

Graziadei first appeared as a contestant on last season’s “The Bachelorette,” starring Charity Lawson. He’s now the Bachelor himself, searching for love with the season in full swing on Monday nights on ABC.