Cholesterol can be found in the walls of cells and can be used to create bile acids and certain hormones, according to VirtualMedicalCentre.com. Cholesterol is important to the functioning of your body; however, high cholesterol levels can elevate the risk of heart disease and strokes, according to the National Health Service. Cholesterol levels are typically measured through blood tests, but an eye doctor may see signs of high cholesterol levels during an eye examination. The doctor generally will refer you to a primary care physician for further evaluation.
Circumferential Arcus
Some people develop a light gray arc or ring at the edge of the cornea, according to MayoClinic.com. Deposits of cholesterol deep in your cornea cause this condition, called arcus cornealis. It is often seen on the corneas of people as they age and is harmless; however, this condition can be seen in people under the age of 45. When arcus cornealis occurs in a younger person, it can be a sign of high cholesterol levels. It may also be related to a genetic condition called familial hyperlipidemia, which causes extremely high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The treatment for arcus in these cases of high cholesterol is management of your blood cholesterol levels.
Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma is a yellow- or orange-colored lump under the skin that occurs around the eyes and eyelids, according to The Doctors of USC website. This condition can be caused by elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood or familial hyperlipidemia, although it can occur because of other reasons like diabetes. A sampling procedure or biopsy of one of the xanthelasma would confirm the presence of a cholesterol deposit; sometimes the eye doctor will remove the lesions during an office procedure if the lesion is bothersome. However, they tend to return; management of your cholesterol levels is the main form of treatment.
Hollenhorst Plaque
During an eye examination, the eye doctor will sometimes give you eye drops that will increase the size of your pupil. This is called a dilated eye examination and is used to evaluate the retina and the optic nerve at the back of the eye. During one of these exams, an eye doctor may see a small shiny lesion called a Hollenhorst plaque in an artery, according to the Handbook of Ocular Disease Management. Patients who have these lesions tend to have high cholesterol levels as well as hypertension and diabetes. The presence of the plaque may be associated with a temporary loss of vision or a portion of the visual field. A cholesterol emboli is less likely to cause a permanent vessel blockage. Specific treatment for the plaque itself is not done; however, you need to be referred to an internal medicine doctor or a cardiologist for further evaluation.
