High cholesterol can gradually and especially subtly damage the arteries, leading to serious heart disease. Doctors warn that if you notice a gray or white ring around the iris, it may be one of the few visible symptoms of this condition. It indicates a possible cardiovascular risk.
- A gray or white ring around the iris indicates heart problems.
- Arcus corneae before forty raises the suspicion of dangerous hypercholesterolemia.
- A persistent continuous ring on the cornea requires a professional examination by a specialist.
Ophthalmologists call this ring, which is formed by the accumulation of lipids on the edge of the cornea corneal arc. In older people, it is considered a natural part of aging, but its occurrence before the age of 40 to 45 raises concerns about hypercholesterolemia, which significantly increases the risk of a heart attack.
Corneal arch appears as a thin gray-white ring about 1 to 2 mm wide that is visible at the edge of the cornea. It usually arises in the upper or lower part of the eye and gradually surrounds the entire iris. It usually affects both eyes, does not cause any discomfort and does not affect vision or sensitivity to light.
A gray ring in the eye can be an indicator of high cholesterol. (illustrative photo)
Source:
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To differentiate corneal arc from ordinary reflection, observe the eye under different lighting conditions. If the ring remains visible and forms a continuous border, you should consult a specialist about this condition. Despite the fact that it does not endanger eyesight, it represents an important early warning signal. It provides an easy way to assess heart health before more serious symptoms appear.
According to experts, excess cholesterol can also manifest as yellowish spots on the eyelids (xanthelasma) or yellow nodules on the skin. They emphasize that corneal arc it is often associated with severe hypercholesterolemia, but xanthelasma is a more prominent indicator of cardiovascular health. The risk increases if the ring appears in people who smoke or have high blood pressure or diabetes.
Therefore, if you notice a gray ring around the iris, it is recommended to see a doctor immediately. The doctor will examine corneal arc and orders a complete lipid profile to determine the level of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Results should be evaluated taking into account age, lifestyle, blood pressure and family history of heart disease.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
