Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I have recently noticed a corneal arcus develop in my eyes. So as a result, I had my lipid levels checked. According to the report, serum total cholesterol level is 216.22 mg/dL, serum HDL cholesterol level is 46.33 mg/dL, triglyceride levels are 194.69 mg/dL, serum LDL cholesterol level is 131.27 mg/dL, and serum non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is 139.00 mg/dL.
I had very high cholesterol for two years, and my numbers almost doubled. But I have worked hard to lower them with supplements and diets. Do you think high cholesterol could have caused the corneal arcus? Should I worry now, or are my levels getting better? Is it normal for someone of my age to develop corneal arcus?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Firstly, corneal arcus (lipid deposition in the peripheral cornea) is not common in your age group. It generally starts at around 50 to 60 years of age. Under the age of 40, the presence of arcus is usually associated with high lipid levels. Because you have had high cholesterol levels for the past two years, that is the reason for your corneal arcus. Reversal of corneal arcus is difficult. But the presence of arcus due to high cholesterol levels keeps a person at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Your present cholesterol levels are not very bad, and it is only slightly elevated than the recommended levels. But since you developed arcus at a young age and are at high risk for coronary heart disease, as already mentioned. It would be best if you kept the cholesterol levels lower. Continue the treatment for cholesterol, whichever you have been taking so far. Your treatment should target low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol levels below 69.88 mg/dL.
Probable diagnosis
Treatment plan
Preventive measures
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
So, do you suppose the two years of extremely high lipid levels at my age caused the corneal arcus? Is there anything else that might be causing it? As previously said, I will continue to reduce my levels. The following is one of my prior lipid findings. The COVID-19 made me very ill, and I ate more junk food and exercised less.
These tests were done two years ago (this was the highest level ever). Serum total cholesterol level was 289.58 mg/dL, serum HDL cholesterol level was 54.05 mg/dL, triglyceride level was 499.12 mg/dL, and serum LDL cholesterol level was 150.58 mg/dL.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Yes, two years of high lipid profile has only caused your corneal arcus. Also, if you think you were diagnosed with high lipid levels only two years back. But before diagnosing it, we do not know for how many years it had been present. So that also plays an important role. Your Triglycerides were very high, and there are two reasons for a young individual to develop high lipids levels, firstly, the unhealthy lifestyle, harmful foods, and less exercise. Secondly, disorders of lipid metabolism, which is genetically present.
Treatments are the same for both, and do not worry about this. The power of our will can change anything. Change to healthy lifestyle habits, and keep your body and mind balanced. Rest will automatically lead to a healthy body and other organs. We want to lower cholesterol levels, monitor them closely, and work hard to keep them under control. I would also recommend that you undergo a cardiovascular assessment once a year.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Does lowering my cholesterol levels enhance my chances of acquiring corneal arcus? But, on the other hand, will it result in heart disease?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Maintaining and decreasing cholesterol levels will significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Corneal arcus is unrelated to heart disease. However, it is also caused by excessive cholesterol (lipid deposition in the peripheral cornea). Because this arcus is created as a result of cholesterol deposition, the presence of this increases the likelihood of cholesterol deposition inside cardiac arteries. As a result, it is an indirect risk factor for heart disease.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I did have my heart check-up a year ago with an echo (echocardiogram) and a CT scan. My calcium score was 0. Besides some minor diastolic dysfunction (grade 1), my heart was completely healthy. As a result, I hope that eating healthy and exercising will help me become healthier. I am currently taking capsule Berberine thrice a day. Red yeast rice one times a day, capsule Omega 3 thrice a day, and capsule Plant Sterols thrice a day. Along with it, I also take milk thistle, black garlic, Vitamin D, Multi-Vitamin, Probiotics, Magnesium, and Ashwagandha. I have completely stopped consuming fatty meat and dairy products. Instead, I started drinking oat milk and soya.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
You must follow these guidelines and maintain your health through exercise and a healthy diet.
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Answered byDr. Prathish Kumar
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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