If you notice that your eyes or the area around your eyelids have become soft with yellowish patches, then it could be a sign of xanthelasma— which is a sign of high LDL (bad) cholesterol. These fatty deposits develop when you have high cholesterol levels in the body, and they accumulate under the skin, especially near the eyes. While it is harmless, it is a subtle cue that can indicate lipid disorders and increased risk of heart disease in the long run.
A 2011 study titled ‘Xanthelasmata, arcus corneae, and ischaemic vascular disease and death in general population’ reads, “Xanthelasmata predict risk of myocardial infarction, ischaemic heart disease, severe atherosclerosis, and death in the general population, independently of well known cardiovascular risk factors, including plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations.”
