THE EYES HAVE IT

THIS week: High cholesterol

HIGH cholesterol levels can lead to a build-up of fatty deposits under the skin around the eyelids known as xanthelasmata, says Professor David Gartry, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. ‘They appear as waxy, yellowish lumps and can be sign of a narrowing of the body’s main arteries.’

There can also be changes in the eye itself. ‘The most obvious is called a corneal arcus,’ says David Teenan, medical director at Optical Express. ‘This is a white, grey or bluish arc or circle visible around the cornea on the edge of the iris — it’s caused by fat deposits.

‘It’s quite normal in older people and no cause for concern, but if we see it in someone under 50, it can be a strong indicator of high cholesterol.’ This can be confirmed by a blood test at your GP surgery.