What do yellow patches on your eyelid mean?
ANSWER
Xanthelasma is a condition that involves flat yellow patches on your upper or lower eyelids. These patches or plaques could be a sign of high cholesterol. The patches themselves are harmless, but high cholesterol can make it more likely for you to get serious problems like a heart attack or stroke.
Your doctor can remove the patches if they’re uncomfortable -- they might use chemical peels, surgery, or cryotherapy -- but they can come back.
Reviewed by Alan Kozarsky on March 30, 2019
American Academy of Ophthalmology: “What Is Blepharitis?”
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: “Types of Eye Allergy.”
NHS: “Eyelid problems.”
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: “Xanthelasma.”
Cleveland Clinic: “8 Reasons for Your Swollen Eye or Eyelid.”
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus: “Ocular Injury.”
American Academy of Ophthalmology: “What Is Blepharitis?”
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: “Types of Eye Allergy.”
NHS: “Eyelid problems.”
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: “Xanthelasma.”
Cleveland Clinic: “8 Reasons for Your Swollen Eye or Eyelid.”
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus: “Ocular Injury.”
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This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.