Hypercholesterolemia & High Cholesterol

You may already know that high cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease—but did you know it can also affect your vision and eye health?

At RevolutionEyes Primary Eye Care & Dry Eye Clinic in Las Vegas, we help detect the subtle signs of high cholesterol that may show up in the eyes—before symptoms become serious. With comprehensive care and the latest technology, we're here to help you protect your sight and your long-term health.

Hypercholesterolemia can lead to changes in the eyes, especially when cholesterol buildup affects blood flow to the retina or optic nerve. Some common eye-related conditions associated with high cholesterol include:

• Retinal vein occlusion – blocked blood flow in the retina, which can cause sudden blurred or lost vision
   
• Hollenhorst plaques – cholesterol emboli visible in retinal arteries, often detected during a routine eye exam
   
• Corneal arcus – a gray or white ring around the cornea, more common in people with high lipid levels
   
• Xanthelasma – yellowish cholesterol deposits under the skin around the eyes
   

These signs can occur with or without symptoms—making routine comprehensive eye exams essential for early detection.

Because high cholesterol often has no obvious warning signs, your eyes may be the first place it shows up.

Our optometrists use detailed retinal imaging and advanced diagnostic tools to examine the blood vessels and structures inside your eyes. These tools allow us to identify and monitor:

• Narrowed or blocked blood vessels
• Signs of poor circulation
• Cholesterol plaques
• Swelling or hemorrhaging in the retina
   

By detecting these signs early, we can coordinate with your primary care physician or cardiologist to help prevent more serious complications.