Your cornea is the clear tissue dome that covers the front surface of your eye. The iris is the colored part of your eye, a muscle that dilates and contracts to control the amount of light entering your eye. Some people have a blue-white circle, called an arcus, that surrounds all or part of the outer edge of the cornea. An arcus may result from normal aging, but, in some cases, high cholesterol may contribute to the formation.
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a substance found in the cells that make up your body, and you need some cholesterol for your body systems to function properly. If you have a poor diet, rich in unhealthy fats, you have an increased risk for high cholesterol. The excess waxy cholesterol will build up in your arteries, resulting in an increased risk for conditions such as high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks. You may also have an increased risk of high cholesterol levels if the condition runs in your family.
Effects
An arcus appears as a result of fatty deposits at the far edge of your cornea, and this makes your iris appear to have the white ring. These deposits can occur even if you do not have high cholesterol, a common occurrence in older adults. If the arcus completely circles your eye, or if you are young, such as a male under age 40, the arcus could indicate cholesterol problems. If you have an arcus that appears to stem from high cholesterol, the discolorations will most likely remain unchanged, even if you bring your cholesterol levels down. The arcus will not damage your vision or your eye, and you will not experience any pain or discomfort related to the arcus.
Reduction
To prevent the likelihood of a cholesterol-associated arcus, you should work with your doctor on ways to reduce your blood cholesterol levels. Your doctor will recommend testing your blood to determine your exact blood cholesterol levels. If you have extremely high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend a medication to help reduce these levels, but your doctor will also recommend lifestyle changes. These may include diet changes, such as selecting lean meats instead of a diet rich in red meat. Your doctor will also recommend that you lose weight and start exercising.
Considerations
If you notice an arcus in your eye, it does not indicate a serious problem. You should discuss your findings with your doctor, and she can test your blood to ease your concerns. An arcus does not indicate any eye condition, but if you have any other changes to your eyes, such as vision changes or changes in comfort, contact your eye doctor for a thorough examination.
