Eye-opening news…
An eye exam could save more than your sight. Research shows that a thorough eye exam can reveal the presence of high cholesterol, which is one of the early warning signs of impending heart disease.
Cholesterol may show up in the eye as a milky ring around the outer edge of the cornea. The ring, or arcus, forms as LDL or “bad” cholesterol increases and the HDL or “good” cholesterol decreases. While the ring is not harmful to your vision, it may be an indication of high cholesterol and signal a need to do follow up testing, particularly if you are under 50 years of age or have other risk factors for heart disease.
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What is…a cornea?
The cornea is the transparent, curved tissue that forms the front of the eye. It covers the pupil and iris and its outer edge meets the sclera, or white part of the eye. It is the shape of the cornea’s dome that determines whether a person is near-sighted, far-sighted, or astigmatic. In addition to offering protection to the eye, the cornea’s job is to help focus light onto the retina.
Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Editorial Director
Nutrition & Healing
