The body requires some amount of cholesterol in order to function properly, but if you have a high-fat diet, you likely consume more cholesterol than your body requires. Blood tests can determine the amount of cholesterol in your blood, and high cholesterol levels indicate an increased risk for plaque build up in your blood vessels. This could lead to serious health conditions and also increases your risk for eye problems that may result in damage to your vision.
Eye Disease Risks
High cholesterol levels increases your risk for certain eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, explains the National Eye Institute. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that results when abnormal blood vessels damage the retina, the tissues that make up the back, inner lining of the eye. This damage could result in permanent vision loss.
You may have a higher risk for other vision-threatening conditions, such as macular degeneration. In addition to an increased risk for the condition, people who have a diagnosis of macular degeneration and high cholesterol will have a greater risk for disease progression, warns the Macular Degeneration Foundation.
Retinal Artery Occlusion
Blood vessels send blood to the retina, providing nourishment to this important tissue that helps provide vision. If plaque builds up in your arteries and a piece breaks loose, this clot could block off blood flow to certain areas. Blockages near the heart will cause a heart attack, and in the brain these clots can cause a stroke. If the blockage occurs in one of the arteries that feed the retina, you may experience vision loss. The vision loss from this condition, called a retinal artery occlusion, may last for a short period of time or may result in permanent blindness.
Xanthelasmas
Some people may have fatty deposits that appear just under the skin of the eyelids, called xanthelasmas, explains the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. These deposits will have a slightly raised, yellow color, and they may also appear on other skin areas of the body. Xanthelasmas do not require treatment or removal, unless you elect to have them removed for cosmetic purposes. Not everyone who has xanthelasmas has high cholesterol, but high levels could indicate a greater risk for having them.
Lowering Cholesterol
You can reduce your risk for eye problems and other health conditions by lowering your cholesterol. Talk with your health care provider to determine the best plan for cholesterol reduction. For many, a doctor will recommend a low-fat diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and healthy whole grains, and she may also encourage you to increase your activity level. These diet changes and increased activity level may lead to weight loss, and a healthy weight will also help you reduce your cholesterol levels. Some people may need to take medications that help reduce the cholesterol in your body, explains the Mayo Clinic website. Discuss medications and lifestyle changes with your health care provider to help determine the best course of treatment.
Considerations
If you experience any changes in vision or comfort of your eyes, contact an eye doctor for an evaluation. Early detection of many eye conditions can help prevent permanent damage to your vision and preserve the health of your eyes.
