High cholesterol symptom that 'almost always' appears in just one eye

A lesser known symptom of high cholesterol could appear in the eye. This sign could mean you have an excess of cholesterol in your blood and are at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes.

It is thought around two in five people in the UK are living with high cholesterol. This "silent killer" can cause the arteries to harden and narrow, making it more difficult for blood to flow.

For this reason it is a major risk factor for a number of medical emergencies and diseases. In many cases it does not display symptoms, making it especially dangerous.

However, in some cases, it could cause a distinct symptom in one eye. The has highlighted that high cholesterol could potentially lead to retinal vein occlusion (RVO), a condition characterised by "painless" blurring or loss of vision in one eye.

This occurs when a blood clot obstructs the vein, sometimes due to the veins in the eye being too narrow.

The clinic notes that RVO is more likely to occur in individuals with diabetes and possibly those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or other health issues affecting blood flow.

Symptoms of RVO can range from subtle to very noticeable. The clinic explains: "There is painless blurring or loss of vision. It almost always happens in just one eye."

Initially, the blurring or vision loss might be slight, but it typically worsens over the subsequent hours or days. In some cases, there may be an immediate complete loss of vision.

While it's not possible to unblock retinal veins, doctors can treat some of the related health problems. The clinic states: "Vision may come back in some eyes that have had a retinal vein occlusion."

Approximately one third of patients experience some improvement, another third remain the same, and the final third gradually improve. However, it can take a year or more to determine the final outcome.

Potential treatments include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, focal laser therapy, and pan-retinal photocoagulation therapy.

There are two other lesser-known symptoms of high cholesterol that can impact the eyes.

Corneal arcus

Corneal arcus is identified by a grey or white arch that manifests across the eye, just above and below the outer edge of the cornea. Writing for the , cardiologist Francisco Lopez-Jimenez describes: "Eventually, the arc may become a complete ring around the iris. The iris is the coloured portion of the eye."

He further notes that this issue does not affect vision or require medical treatment. Nonetheless, the appearance of such marks should prompt a visit to your GP.

Xanthelasmas

Xanthelasmas are benign yellowish patches that may develop on or near the eyelids' corners closest to the nose. As per the : "Cholesterol deposits build up under your skin to form a xanthelasma."

For those with concerns about their cholesterol levels, consulting with a GP is the recommended course of action.