The macula, located in the center of the retina, is essential for color and central vision.ĭrusen are often found in people who have age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The yellow deposits collect under the macula and are made up of fatty compounds and proteins. Drusen, unlike xanthelasma, form inside your eye. Like xanthelasma, drusen are fatty deposits. Xanthelasma can be removed with traditional or laser surgery, cryotherapy (freezing), chemical peels, or an electric needle, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. While improving your cholesterol will stop new bumps from appearing, existing bumps are here to stay unless you have a procedure to remove them. Preventing new bumps is as simple as getting your cholesterol under control. Xanthelasma may be unsightly, but luckily, they won't cause any changes in your vision. It can raise your risk of stroke, heart failure, or blood clots.ĭo you have yellow bumps on your eyelids? Called xanthelasma, the bumps are another sign of high cholesterol but may also form if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.

AFib is a rapid, irregular heart rate that affects blood flow to the heart. These lesions, which eye doctors call retinal ischemic perivascular lesions, are significantly associated with atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to the research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2023. Tiny lesions on your retina could occur if cells die when blood vessels are blocked.

If the central retinal artery is blocked, sudden loss of vision can occur. Blockages in branch arteries may only cause mild blurriness or might not cause any noticeable vision changes. The spots may mean that an artery in your retina is blocked due to a heart valve or rhythm issue, a tumor or carotid artery disease, a disease that happens when fatty plaque clogs blood vessels. Dilating your pupils with special eye drops helps your eye doctor see your retina clearly and detect signs of trouble, such as red or white spots. If you have heart disease, your optometrist may notice these changes in your eyes: This layer of cells at the back of the eye captures light rays and converts them to electrical signals that the brain uses to create images. Plaque prevents normal blood flow and can be a factor in heart failure or heart attack.Ī healthy retina is essential for good vision. If your 'bad' cholesterol level is too high, fatty plaque begins to build up in your blood vessels, including those in your eyes. In some cases, a ring, or arcus senilis, may be a sign that you have high cholesterol, a condition that affects almost 40% of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The rings tend to be related to aging, but can also develop in younger people. During your exam, your optometrist will look for these common heart disease signs:Ī white, blue, or gray ring around your cornea, the clear tissue covering your iris and pupil, isn't automatically a cause for concern. Eye exams also offer important information about the health of your heart. Clearer vision isn't the only benefit of scheduling an annual visit to your optometrist.

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