According to Dr. Matthew Bovenzi of the College of Optometry New Yorkhigh cholesterol can be detected by the appearance of your eyes.
If you look in a mirror, here’s what to look for: An «eye sign» of high cholesterol is «a blue ring» in the outer side of the cornea, the front part of the eye that would otherwise be transparent. The ring is known as «arcus senilis«, what is done more evident as cholesterol levels rise.
Related news
bluish ring on the outer side of the cornea, known as the arcus senilis
Considered benignthe blue ring does not interfere with a person’s visionso you may not notice it until you look for it.
«If you or a member of your family shows this sign, it would be wise to have your doctor do a lipid panel testDr. Bovenzi advised.
You can request a lipid blood test from your doctor, who can then confirm or deny if you have high cholesterol.
The ramifications of high cholesterol are said to range from «cosmetic to devastating and irreversible blindness».
apart from the arcus senilisother cosmetic sign of high cholesterol may include «small, soft, yellowish bumps on the skin above the eyes«.
These are known as «xanthelasma» and also they may appear near the nose.
Dr. Bovenzi stated, «The eyes are the only place in the human body where real blood vessels can be seen without the need to cut the body or take special images.
It is for this reason that eye specialists, such as optometrists, can detect signs of high cholesterol.
This explains why regular eye consultations with your optician are a good way to stay on top of your health.
«Examination of the retinal vasculature can lead to the diagnosis of a variety of systemic conditions,» said Dr. Bovenzi.
This can include diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol.
Cholesterol
Dr. Bovenzi distinguished between two types of cholesterol: lipoprotein low density (LDL) and lipoprotein high density (HDL).
«LDL carries cholesterol to the walls of arteries and to body tissue,» said Dr. Bovenzi.
«For this reason, elevated LDL levels are considered a risk for health, since cholesterol buildup can narrow the arterial walls.
«Parts of a cholesterol plaque can break off and block smaller arteries downstream, leading to a loss of function of the area supplied by the affected artery.
«When this artery is in the heart, can cause a heart attack. In the brain, it is a stroke«.
As for LDL cholesterol, it is «used to transport cholesterol from the walls of the arteries to the liver», which is why it is considered «good» cholesterol.
If plaque is seen within the small arteries within the eye, your life is at risk.
Known as «hollenhorst plaque«, could cause tissue death and blindness.
If you are late for your eye appointment, Dr. Bovenzi highly recommends booking one early.