The Impact of High Cholesterol on Vision: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

2023-06-15 15:29:28

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that circulates in the body. It is produced by the liver, but also, the body obtains it through some foods.

According to the Spanish Heart Foundation, this lipid is involved in the formation of bile acids, vital for the digestion of fats; the sun’s rays transform it into vitamin D to protect the skin from chemical agents and prevent dehydration, and certain hormones are formed from cholesterol, such as sexual and thyroid hormones.

Since it is a key substance for the body, its presence should not cause any concern. However, it is essential to pay attention when their levels rise, as this does cause risks of cardiovascular disease.

Cholesterol and vision

However, the heart is not the only organ that is affected when cholesterol increases in the blood. This substance in excess has an impact on the eyes. Experts say that when this lipid rises, it may block the flow of blood in the eye area. Sometimes a subtle deterioration in the perception of colors can be generated, but in others, people are exposed to a partial or total loss of vision.

These are some of the main manifestations of high cholesterol in the eyes.

loss of color vision

Specialists from the Clínica Baviera in Spain assure that an excess of cholesterol in the blood can cause failures in the cerebral cortex that concentrates visual function and lead to a progressive loss of the ability to differentiate colours.

Blockage of blood flow to the eye area

Xanthomas are a characteristic sign of high cholesterol because they are deposits of this substance on the skin. When they appear around the eyes, they are called xanthelasmas, yellow spots on the eyelids. They are not harmful or contagious, but they are considered an aesthetic problem that shows that this lipid is above the limits.

How to prevent cholesterol?

To avoid the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood it is essential to lead a healthy life and these are some expert recommendations.

  • Balanced diet. The ideal is to include in the diet foods that contain a lot of fiber, fruits, vegetables and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, according to the United States National Library of Medicine. It is also important to limit salt intake.
  • Physical exercise adapted to the possibilities of each person. Regular physical activity is crucial to keep this lipid under control and increase the levels of good (HDL)
  • Absence of toxic habits. For example, alcohol adds calories, which can lead to weight gain. Being overweight is closely related to high levels of bad cholesterol and the possibility of reducing good cholesterol, indicates the aforementioned source. Specialists also advise avoiding tobacco.

1686846725
#signs #high #cholesterol #manifest #eyes

Leave a Replay