High cholesterol, which is also known as dyslipidemia or hypercholesterolemia, can be caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. Excess blood cholesterol is a serious health risk for heart disease, stroke and damage to the blood vessels and organs. In most individuals, however, there are no symptoms of the disease, particularly in its early stages. In some cases, individuals with high cholesterol levels may have a visible indication called arcus senilis, also known as a corneal arcus, which occurs in the eyes. This is caused by fat or lipid deposits around the outer part of the cornea, and in some it may be due to high cholesterol.
Step 1
Dim the lights in the room and shine the light from a pocket flashlight or otoscope into the eye. Look into a mirror if analyzing your own eyes. Look at one eye at a time and check both eyes.
Step 2
Check to see if there is a white or gray arc visible above and below the outer part of the cornea, the clear, dome-like covering of the eye. This is the arcus senilis or arcus cornealis, and it can sometimes form a complete ring around the cornea. This should be visible in both eyes.
Step 3
Schedule a doctor's appointment and request a complete lipid panel blood test. High cholesterol can be accurately diagnosed only with a blood test. Older adults may have visible arcus senilis, however these are more commonly associated with high serum cholesterol when they are present in younger people.
Step 4
Discuss treatment options for high cholesterol with your doctor, if blood tests confirm this diagnosis. Treatment is generally focused on controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood; there is no specific treatment for arcus senilis in the eyes.
Tips and Warnings
- In elderly adults, arcus senilis is common and clearly visible. These are caused by fat deposits deep in the cornea and may be unrelated to high cholesterol. These rings around the cornea do not affect vision and do not require specific or direct treatment.
- Excess blood cholesterol levels rarely cause symptoms and most individuals do not develop a corneal arc. Cholesterol and eye health should be checked as part of regular physical exams for adults of all ages. Ask your doctor for a blood test to make an accurate diagnosis of high cholesterol.
Things You'll Need
- Pocket flashlight or otoscope
- Doctor's appointment
- Blood test
- Mirror
