BLUE RING AROUND THE IRIS OR YELLOWISH LUMPS AROUND THE EYELIDS

WHAT IT MAY MEAN: Raised cholesterol

A blue-tinted ring around the iris is most probably caused by cholesterol deposits in the eye, Edmonds says,

and is “particularly common in people of 60 and older”. Yellowish lumps under the skin on or around the eyelid are fatty material called xanthelasma and can be caused by high cholesterol. WHAT TO DO: Have an eye test, which can pick up high cholesterol and detect risk of a stroke. You may then be referred for cholesterol screening. Studies have shown that people with cholesterol deposits on their eyelids are more at risk of heart disease.