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- $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.
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-
- 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.
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-