The human body requires some amount of cholesterol to keep cells healthy. If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, the excess may adhere to the lining of your blood vessels, leading to narrow vessels that could put you at risk for serious health problems. Cholesterol does not cause outward symptoms, such as eye redness, but if you have high cholesterol levels and a red eye, you should work with your doctor to determine the cause.
Causes of Redness
A red eye may result from allergies, and associated symptoms may include itching and watering. Eye infections also may cause redness. The most common type of infection, called conjunctivitis or "pink eye," can result from a number of causes. The virus that causes the common cold is one of the most common causes of conjunctivitis. Eye infections may cause itching, swelling around the eyelids and a thick, mucus-like discharge. A bright red spot on the white of your eye, called a subconjunctival hemorrhage, occurs when one of the blood vessels breaks under the surface of your eye. This may result from coughing, sneezing or an unknown cause. A subconjunctival hemorrhage does not typically have additional symptoms.
Cholesterol Eye Effects
Cholesterol in your blood will not cause your eye to turn red. In fact, if you have high cholesterol levels, you may not know until your doctor runs blood work and informs you. During an eye examination, your eye doctor may note that you have arcus, a white or gray ring that circles the outer edge of your cornea. As a normal part of aging, a person may have a partial arcus, but extremely high cholesterol levels may result in a full, circumscribed outline. If you look in the mirror, you may see the thin outline, and it may appear as though the arcus is located on your iris, the colored part of your eye. An arcus will not cause redness, disrupt vision or cause irritation in any way.
Treatment
An arcus does not require medication or surgery, but your doctor may recommend lowering your cholesterol levels. She may prescribe a medication to reduce cholesterol, and she also may recommend that you make lifestyle choices, such as following a healthful diet and exercising daily to bring down your levels.
Considerations
A red eye does not indicate problems with cholesterol, but if you have redness that does not improve or if you have additional symptoms, such as itching, pain or vision changes, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your eye doctor may need to examine your eye to determine the cause of your symptoms.
