Two unusual signs in your eyes could signal a potentially dangerous health issue, according to experts. These symptoms could indicate high cholesterol, something that can put you at risk of heart attacks and strokes, among other medical emergencies.
High cholesterol occurs if you have excessive amounts of a fatty substance called cholesterol in the blood. While the body needs a certain amount of cholesterol, having too much causes problems.
This is because cholesterol can accumulate in blood vessels, leading them to narrow or sometimes even become rigid, limiting blood flow. Around two in five people in the UK are thought to have high cholesterol – and many of them may not even realise.
High cholesterol is often referred to as a “silent killer” due to the fact it can remain symptomless. But there are some lesser-known signs.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) explains: “There are usually no symptoms of high cholesterol. But if left untreated, it can lead to heart attack and stroke. It’s often a hidden risk factor which means it can happen without us knowing until it’s too late. That is why it’s so important to get your cholesterol level checked.”
However, specific symptoms can sometimes manifest in the eyes. The BHF states that these signs are more common in people with familial hypercholesterolaemia – a genetic form of high cholesterol.
These symptoms include:
- Xanthelasmas – small, yellow lumps of cholesterol near the inner corner of your eye
- Corneal arcus – a pale white ring around the coloured part of your eye, your iris.
Xanthelasmas
These are described as “harmless” yellow growths that show on or by the corners of your eyelids, next to your nose. Experts at the Cleveland Clinic in the US say: “Cholesterol deposits build up under your skin to form a xanthelasma.”
Typically, around 50 per cent of people who have xanthelasmas have high cholesterol levels. But xanthelasmas could be a sign of another condition, such as diabetes and thyroid problems.
Corneal arcus
This is a grey or white arc that appears in the eye above and below the outer cornea (the clear, dome-shaped covering at the front of the eye). Writing for the Mayo Clinic, cardiologist Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, said: “Eventually, the arc may become a complete ring around the iris. The iris is the coloured portion of the eye.”
This arc won’t affect your vision, but if you spot this sign, you should speak to your GP. To prevent high cholesterol or to lower your levels, the NHS recommends:
- Eating less saturated fat
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Stopping smoking
- Reducing your alcohol intake.
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, you should speak to your doctor.