High Cholesterol And Your Eyes

Most people are aware that high cholesterol is likely to cause a variety of health issues. Cholesterol issues can have consequences for your eyes also.

EyeIncluded in the list of diseases caused by high cholesterol are:

Diabetes

(imbalance of glucose levels in the bloodstream, can lead to other conditions that can damage the kidneys, nerves and cause blindness)

High blood pressure

(which can then lead to heart attack and stroke)

Angina

(chest pain caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart from reduced blood flow through the arteries due to plaque buildup)

ArtriesTransient Ischemic Attack

(commonly referred to as a TIA or “mini stroke“, this is caused from reduced blood flow to the brain because of plaque clogged arteries)

Atherosclerosis

(hardening of the arteries, usually accompanied by the narrowing of the artery as well)

Peripheral arterial disease

(condition of plaque buildup in the arteries that carry blood to the extremities like your legs, head, arms and also your internal organs, smoking increases your risk of P.A.D by four times)

Obesity

(high fat diets that generally cause high cholesterol typically lead to obesity as well, obesity is a key factor in many health issues)

EyeSomething that most people are not aware of however is that regardless of whether or not you have any of these other cholesterol related health issues, high cholesterol can lead to sudden blindness caused by a condition known as retinal vein occlusion.

Retinal vein occlusion

is a condition that occurs when plaque buildup closes off the flow of blood to and from the eye via the central retina artery and vein. This affects the optic nerve that connects your eye to your brain; the end result is that you lose your vision.

Actually, your doctor can examine your eyes for indications of high cholesterol by looking for signs of these conditions:

Corneal arcus (Arcus senilis), which is identifiable by a thin white or gray ring around the edge of the cornea, his is actually a deposit of cholesterol in the eye. While this is more common place in older patients, it is rare in younger patients, if found in young patients cholesterol and triglyceride treatments are usually recommended.

Hollenhorst plaque, this is identified by small pieces cholesterol that have broken off from plaque buildup on the wall of a blood vessel that has traveled to the eye. It is possible for these stray pieces of plaque may develop into retinal vein occlusions. If this condition exists it generally indicates a serious cholesterol problem and further testing would be required as a preventative measure.

So how much cholesterol is too much?

Your LDL, considered the “bad” cholesterol, should be lower than 100 mg/dL. If you already a medical condition such as heart disease or high blood pressure, levels under 70 mg/dL would be more appropriate. Your HDL, also known as the “good” cholesterol should be 60 mg/dL or higher, and Triglyceride levels, another type of “bad” fat in your bloodstream, should be lower than 150 mg/dL.

As with anything health related, the key is proper nutrition and exercise. Maintaining a good diet and regular check-ups with your doctor can help ward off future complications.

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HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our blood alcohol, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years. Our team of health professionals, and researchers use peer reviewed studies as source elements in our articles. Our high quality content has been featured in a number of leading websites, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, Live Strong, GQ, and many more.

Jack Russell
21. May 2019
Jack Russell
21. May 2019
You should switch from statins to fenofibrate. But you cannot drink alcohol any more or you will destroy your liver. Also remove sweets and simple carbs like bread, baked.goods, starchy vegetables, soda, smoothies, and fried foods, Run and lift weights.

Sheila Ferdinando
3. April 2019
Sheila Ferdinando
3. April 2019
I have very high cholestrol ,which have effected both eyes .I am really ill with side effects from statins to the point of life changing .Liver ,kidneys and weakened muscles throughout body ,even bladder control. please help!!

shah
20. April 2017
shah
20. April 2017
what is the treatment for retinal vein occlusion ?

Mike
9. February 2017
Mike
9. February 2017
Can high cholesterol cause blury vision then after about 20 minutes or so be to normal

Tan
19. December 2016
Tan
19. December 2016
I have been told by my GP to take medicine for my high cholesterol many years ago. But I have never taken any till now. As I was too worried that it will causes side effect like I learn from Internet ... Notice my left eye lid with a small little thing few months ago Consulted my Gp . She told me if people get it due to high cholesterol normally should be on both side. but I only got it one side , so shouldn't be due to high cholesterol. Just use makeup to cover it. But, noticed this morning that I got the same thing on my left eye lid too. I'm very worried. Will that things disappeared if I starts taking my medicine now ?

Greg Nixon
18. November 2016
Greg Nixon
18. November 2016
Take the prescribed medicine. You should also look up dieting with high cholesterol on google. You are in danger of a stroke. Vision will be the least of your concerns.

Stephanie
16. September 2016
Stephanie
16. September 2016
My daughter and granddaughter notice a blue ring around my retina the doctor prescribed me medication for high cholesterol which I never taken because I didn't take it serious but I noticed my vision for months had gotten worse so now what can I do to improve my vision

Sharon
3. April 2016
Sharon
3. April 2016
Do you mix the pineapples with the green tea?

price of blood pressure monitor
2. November 2015
price of blood pressure monitor
2. November 2015
Whether it is the 'relaxing' factor or the natural herbs in green tea, 1 cup of green tea will be helpful for your health. cup pineapple chopped. This drug should be used with caution in pregnant women (its use can decrease fetal heartbeat during delivery) and breastfeeding women (the drug enters breast milk).

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Written by HealthStatus Team
Medical Writer & Editor

HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our blood alcohol, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years. Our team of health professionals, and researchers use peer reviewed studies as source elements in our articles. Our high quality content has been featured in a number of leading websites, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, Live Strong, GQ, and many more.

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