The Truth About Cholesterol And Your Eye Health

There are a lot of factors that can affect your eye health, including your cholesterol levels. Poor eye health can lead to several complications, including vision problems and blindness.

What is Cholesterol, and How Does It Affect Eye Health?

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in the bloodstream. It can come from the food we eat, or it can be made by the liver. Cholesterol is a fat essential for your body to function properly. It helps to make hormones, cell membranes, and other important molecules. However, high cholesterol levels can cause plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke.

Poor eye health can also be a complication of high cholesterol. The fatty deposits from high cholesterol can build up in the blood vessels of the eye, causing them to narrow and harden. This can lead to vision problems and even blindness.

What can happen to the eye with high levels of cholesterol?

Retinal Occlusion, also known as an Eye Stroke, is a condition that can occur as a complication of high cholesterol. Cholesterol can cause the blood vessels in the eyes to be blocked, causing a lack of oxygen to areas of the eyes. It is also an eye emergency that has to be treated or else it can lead to permanent blindness. 

What are the signs of an Eye Stroke?

The main sign of an eye stroke is a sudden change in sight. It almost always happens in only one eye. You usually won’t feel any pain.
You may notice:
- Loss of all or part of your sight
- Not able to see out of the side of your eyes
- Blurry or distorted vision

How Can I Lower My Cholesterol Levels?

There are several ways that you can lower your cholesterol levels, including diet and lifestyle changes. One way to lower your cholesterol is to eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats. You should also eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Another way to lower your cholesterol is to exercise regularly. Exercise helps to increase HDL (good) cholesterol and decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol. You can also take medications to lower your cholesterol levels.

What Should I Do If I Suspect I Have a High Cholesterol Level?

If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of high cholesterol, it is important to consult with your doctor. A simple blood test can confirm your cholesterol levels and help your doctor determine the best course of action. There are several lifestyles and dietary changes that can help lower cholesterol levels, and in some cases, medication may also be necessary. Lowering your cholesterol can reduce your risk of serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and vision problems.

Conclusion

It’s important to be aware of the effects of diabetes on the eyes and to take steps to protect yourself. Have regular eye examinations annually to have eye health screenings that allow the eye care professional to advise on the changes and manage the conditions appropriately. 

With Vision Direct Club, we have highly skilled mobile optometrists that can provide comprehensive eye examinations at your preferred location! You can find your prescription glasses, contact lenses, and lens solution through the mobile eye clinic. 

We make getting your eye care solutions simple; your prescription will be available in your account after the visit with the mobile optometrists through the mobile eye clinic.