Do you know how much cholesterol you have? Many of us probably don’t. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like material produced by the human body. Some foods also have high cholesterol content. Although your body requires a certain amount of cholesterol, too much can lead to a number of diseases and medical conditions including vision problems.
Causes of High Cholesterol
Several factors, including the ones listed below, can increase your risk of developing high cholesterol:
● Age. The chemistry of a person’s body shifts as they age, potentially increasing the likelihood of their cholesterol levels rising.
● Sedentary lifestyle. Exercise aids in the production of HDL cholesterol in the body. HDL cholesterol helps to protect an individual against heart disease and the negative effects of bad cholesterol (LDL).
● Poor nutrition. Consuming saturated and trans fat-rich foods will raise your bad cholesterol levels. Some foods that are high in cholesterol are fried foods, consumer baked goods, and full-fat dairy.
Cholesterol-related Vision Problems
In certain cases, high cholesterol can cause vision problems. Some potential eye problems linked to cholesterol levels are listed below.
● Diabetes. High cholesterol levels are linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have eye problems.
● Fatty deposits. As cholesterol levels rise too high, fatty deposits may develop under the upper and lower eyelids. Unless the deposits grow big, they have no effect on vision. They can, however, be removed for cosmetic reasons using surgery or cryotherapy.
● Stroke. High cholesterol levels can put you at risk for a stroke. A stroke reduces blood flow to the brain, which may affect vision temporarily or permanently.
● Glaucoma. According to a study in Harvard Medical School, with every 20-point rise in cholesterol, the risk of glaucoma rises by 7%.
Keeping Cholesterol Levels in Check
Although some genetic factors can play a role in cholesterol management, there are numerous lifestyle choices that have a significant impact on your cholesterol levels. To help you control your cholesterol, consider the following suggestions:
● Limit intake of high-cholesterol foods: Making healthy dietary choices will help lower total cholesterol levels significantly. Learn to read food labels and eat less butter, egg yolks, and fatty meat, which are high in saturated fats.
● Consume high-fiber foods: Fiber-rich foods like beans, whole grains, and vegetables will help lower bad cholesterol levels.
● Avoid smoking. Smoking is harmful to the heart’s overall health. It is also assumed that smoking lowers healthy cholesterol levels which can potentially damage our overall health.
● Have regular exercises. Regular exercises will help you maintain a healthy heart by raising your good cholesterol levels. For most days of the week, try to get in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise. Brisk walking, riding, and dance lessons are also good options.
● Medications. Consult your doctor to see if cholesterol medications are an option.
