$Unique_ID{BRK01104}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Diagnosis of High Blood Cholesterol in an Eye Examination}
$Subject{eyelid eyelids blood cholesterol xanthelasma sense senses eye eyes
cornea arcus senilis fundus}
$Volume{F-7,D-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Diagnosis of High Blood Cholesterol in an Eye Examination


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QUESTION:  I went to my eye doctor for a new glasses prescription, but after
the examination of only my eyes came away with a diagnosis of high cholesterol
in my blood.  When I had my blood test done, it turned out that the eye doctor
was right.  He jokingly tells me it is the "magic of medicine," but there must
have been some clues.  Do you know what they might have been?  Trying to
figure this out is more trouble than my new diet.

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ANSWER:  I am half inclined not to answer the question, and preserve a bit of
that mystery that has at least inspired you to a new healthful diet.  I can
think of three possible clues that could have been observed during an eye
exam.  The presence of small, flat, yellowish growths on your eyelids called
"xanthelasma" could have been the most noticeable.  They contain fatty
material and are often associated with high cholesterol.  A light colored ring
or part of a ring circling the cornea, called an "arcus senilis," is another
sign.  Last, the appearance of the back of your eye or fundus could have
offered another indication of your cholesterol problem.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.