The eyes are often referred to as windows to the soul, capable of conveying a person's inner emotions, from joy and anger to sorrow and pleasure. Modern research has found that the eyes not only reflect one's mood but also can't hide certain “heart ailments.”
Today, we will introduce you to one such “heart ailment” related to the eyes: xanthelasma.
Xanthelasma is a yellowish growth commonly found above the inner corner of the eye, often symmetrically distributed in both eyes, sometimes resembling a butterfly. It is more common in patients with high blood lipids.
As living standards improve and lifestyle habits change significantly—eating more and exercising less—many people are developing the “three highs,” “four highs,” or even “five highs”: high blood lipids, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high uric acid, and high homocysteine levels. Some patients with high blood lipids may develop xanthelasma.
Xanthelasma can affect appearance, and many patients seek treatment at dermatology clinics. However, if any of the following occur, don't forget to check your blood lipid levels:
1. Arcus cornealis: This is a gray or yellowish area of opacity near the edge of the cornea, approximately 1-1.5 mm wide, often appearing at the upper and lower edges of the cornea. Arcus cornealis is formed by the deposition of lipid components in the peripheral stroma of the cornea and is related to both age and high blood lipids.
2. Blurred vision: There are many reasons for blurred vision, including myopia, presbyopia, and overuse of the eyes.
It's important to note that if you experience a decline in vision, in addition to an ophthalmological examination, don't forget to check your “three highs.” High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids can all cause damage to blood vessels, especially the richly vascularized retina. Long-term exposure to these conditions can lead to retinal arterial lesions, causing spasms, hardening, and narrowing, which directly affect vision.
3. Sudden blindness: Sudden blindness is one of the most severe eye diseases, and severe narrowing or occlusion of the retinal artery is a common cause.
Many patients also experience visual field defects, where they can see objects in front of them, but part of their view feels blocked. This may be caused by damage to the optic nerve due to cerebrovascular disease and requires a cardiovascular examination.
4. Eyelid swelling: Many people experience swelling of the upper and lower eyelids. If it is caused by drinking too much water before bed or crying, which leads to physiological edema, it usually resolves on its own; however, if the swelling persists for a long time and is accompanied by swelling in the lower extremities, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, be sure to check your heart and kidneys. Inadequate heart or kidney function can also cause eyelid swelling.
In addition to the heart-related conditions mentioned above that affect the eyes, some patients inquire about horizontal lines between the eyebrows as an indicator of heart disease. Indeed, some patients with heart disease may exhibit such lines between the eyebrows or creases in the earlobes, but these surface signs cannot be relied upon to diagnose heart disease. If related symptoms appear, timely examination and treatment at a cardiology clinic are necessary.
Just a reminder: while caring for your eyes, don't forget to care for your heart. Wishing you clear eyes and a healthy heart.