Xanthelasma: Yellow Patches on the Eyelids and Cholesterol
Quick answer: Xanthelasma are flat or slightly raised, soft yellow patches on the eyelids, usually near the inner corners. They are cholesterol-rich deposits under the skin. They are harmless to the eye, but about half of people with them have raised blood cholesterol or lipids, so a blood test and check with a doctor are recommended. They can be removed for cosmetic reasons by a dermatologist or eyelid surgeon, but may come back.
Noticed this in your own eyes? Book an eye examination (NPR 400) with an optometrist at Vision Concern Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal or Makalbari. WhatsApp +977 9841466716.
Related service: Comprehensive eye examination (NPR 400) at Vision Concern Lazimpat, Boudha-Tushal and Makalbari.
What xanthelasma looks like
The patches are painless, yellow and sharply edged, often on both upper and lower lids near the nose. They usually grow slowly over months to years and do not affect vision.
Why they matter
Xanthelasma can be a visible sign of high cholesterol or other lipid problems, which are linked to heart disease. They can also appear in people with normal blood tests. Ask your doctor about a lipid test, blood pressure and other heart risk factors.
Removal options
Treatments include surgical excision, laser, chemical peels and cryotherapy, carried out by a dermatologist or oculoplastic surgeon. Recurrence is common, especially if lipids remain high. Vision Concern does not perform these treatments.
When to get urgent care
See a doctor promptly if an eyelid lump bleeds, ulcerates, grows quickly or changes in colour, as other growths can look similar.
How Vision Concern can help
Vision Concern optometrists in Kathmandu can examine your eyes, record what they find for comparison, update your glasses or contact lenses, and refer you to an ophthalmologist or eye hospital when medical treatment is needed. Vision Concern does not perform surgery or injections.
Frequently asked questions
Does xanthelasma mean I have high cholesterol?
Not always, but around half of people with xanthelasma do, so a blood test is sensible.
Can xanthelasma go away on its own?
It rarely disappears without treatment, though controlling cholesterol may stop new patches.
Both can be linked to lipids. Arcus is a grey ring around the cornea; checking cholesterol is advised for arcus before 50 as well.
This guide is general information from the Vision Concern editorial team. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an eye examination or medical advice.
Yes. Many visitors, particularly from Bangladesh and West Bengal (Kolkata), come to Nepal for cataract, retina, or other eye surgery at a hospital and also want new glasses, a general eye exam, or contact lenses at the same time, before or after their procedure. Vision Concern is an optical and eye-examination clinic, not a surgical hospital, so we work alongside hospitals such as Tilganga: we are happy to see you for glasses, contact lenses, or a routine check-up either side of your surgical treatment elsewhere.
No conversion is needed. Eyeglass prescriptions from Germany, France, the UK, the USA, China, Russia, and almost every other country use the same international format, SPH (sphere), CYL (cylinder), and AXIS, measured in diopters. Our opticians read this directly, so you can bring your prescription paper, a photo of it on your phone, or simply your current glasses, and we will use the same values. If your prescription is more than a year or two old, we recommend a quick, free re-check before we make your new pair.
Yes. Above roughly 3,000 metres, UV exposure increases sharply because of the thinner atmosphere and reflection off snow, and ordinary sunglasses (category 2-3) do not block enough UV to prevent snow blindness (photokeratitis). We recommend glacier glasses or category-4 sunglasses with side shields, and can fit these with your own prescription if needed. Vision Concern offers ZEISS polarized, UV400-certified sunglasses with prescription lenses, which we can prepare before you set off on your trek.