A doctor has warned that elevated cholesterol levels can be a “ticking time bomb”, not just for the heart, but for your eyes too.
From heart disease to vision loss, the fatty culprit can lay a dangerous groundwork for various health problems.
Fortunately, Dr Saya Nagori, an expert ophthalmologist and the founder of Eye Facts, shared three red flag signs you can notice on your face.
Dr Nagori said: “High cholesterol doesn’t confine its impact to the heart; it extends its tendrils to the eyes.
Arcus senilis refers to a white, light grey, or blueish ring around the edge of the cornea, which is the transparent part of your eye that covers the iris and the pupil.
However, “the gravest threat” comes in the form of Hollenhorst plaque, which can compromise the eyes’ blood vessels and pose a risk to vision, the doctor warned.
Hollenhorst plaque is a very serious and potentially blinding plaque that is observed inside one of the small arteries within the eye.
The American Heart Association Journals share that this plaque refers to yellow, orange refractile cholesterol emboli.
Dr Nagori added: “In summation, while heart health often takes the limelight in the cholesterol conversation, let’s not overlook the silent narrative our eyes offer.
“As an ophthalmologist, I’ve seen the intersection of systemic health and vision firsthand.
“When our eyes hint at an underlying issue, it’s not merely an ocular concern. It’s a holistic call to action, urging us to tend to both cardiovascular and visual health.”
While all of these eye signs can ring alarm bells, the NHS says the most reliable way of determining your cholesterol levels is through a blood test.