The relationship between high cholesterol and vision

05 May 2025

When we think of high cholesterol, we usually associate it with heart disease or cardiovascular problems. However, this lipid can also significantly affect eye health. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that circulates throughout the body through the blood, and when its levels become too high, it can accumulate in the arteries and reduce blood flow. This includes the vessels that nourish the eyes.

One of the most serious effects of high cholesterol on vision is the risk of occlusion of the central retinal vein or artery, which can cause sudden and painless vision loss. Furthermore, elevated cholesterol levels have also been associated with the development of retinopathy, especially in people with other conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

A visual sign that could alert you to high cholesterol levels is the arcus senilis: a gray or white ring that forms around the iris. Although it can be a normal sign of aging, in people under 40 it can indicate dyslipidemia.

Tips to take care of your vision if you have high cholesterol:

• Control your cholesterol levels with a healthy diet low in saturated fat.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.
• Get regular medical and eye checkups.