Cholesterol deposits around the eyes are a sign of high cholesterol. The condition is also referred to as xanthelasma or a corneal arcus. Although cholesterol deposits around the eyes may not always signify high cholesterol, it’s still important to check your blood as many other conditions cite this as a symptom.
Cholesterol deposits around the eyes do not cause any discomfort, although for some this may be an unsightly image. These spots can appear yellowish in color and vary in size. They can span all around the eyes, including the eyelid or even the corners of the eyes.
Although cholesterol deposits around the eyes can be removed surgically, in some cases this is not recommended – for example, if the spot is too close to the eye. Plus, this can lead to scarring.
Below you will find home remedies to help reduce the appearance of cholesterol deposits around the eyes.
Causes of cholesterol deposits around the eyes
Cholesterol deposits around the eyes can occur in anyone, but are more common in seniors and are often seen in people with high cholesterol. Other causes of cholesterol deposits around the eyes include some types of cancers, diabetes, primary biliary cirrhosis, and metabolic disorders. These conditions can result in higher lipid levels in the blood, thus contributing to cholesterol deposits around the eyes.
Natural remedies to get rid of cholesterol deposits around the eyes
Castor oil: The acid in castor oil has been found to reduce the appearance of cholesterol around the eyes. Soak a cotton ball in pure cold-pressed castor oil and apply it to the area. Either massage it in or tape the cotton ball to the area to allow it to soak in. Leave it overnight and rinse with warm water in the morning.
Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has been shown to reduce cholesterol, so ingesting it regularly can help bring down LDL cholesterol levels. You can also soak a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar and some water to dilute it, and apply it to the area.
Fenugreek seeds: Soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight and drink the mixture in the morning on an empty stomach as a means of reducing cholesterol levels. You can also apply the liquid to the area around your eyes.
Onions: Extract some juice from an onion, mix it with salt, and allow it to sit for a few hours. Before bed, apply the mixture to the affected area and either leave overnight or massage into the skin. You can also stir some onion juice into your water to help reduce cholesterol.
Banana peels: Place the inside of a ripe banana peel over the area around your eye and secure it with a bandage to leave it on overnight. In the morning, remove the peel and rinse the area. Repeat nightly.
Coriander: Steep coriander seeds as you would tea for about 10 to 15 minutes and drink the water a few times a day as a means to reduce cholesterol.
Orange juice: Orange juice has been found to improve LDL cholesterol numbers, so drinking it a few times a day can help bring down your cholesterol, which is contributing to the deposits around your eyes.
Almonds: Consuming tree nuts like almonds has been shown to improve cholesterol. You can also mix some milk with almond powder and apply the paste to the area.
Other methods to manage cholesterol deposits around the eyes naturally
If you want to diminish cholesterol deposits around the eyes, reducing cholesterol in your body is essential. This involves eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating fiber-rich foods, minimizing your intake of red meat and dairy products, avoiding alcohol, and eating more fruits and vegetables.
If your cholesterol deposits are a result of another condition such as diabetes, it’s important that you properly manage this condition so that your blood lipid levels don’t go up.
By Dr. Victor Marchione Via