Cholesterol Signs in the Iris and the Link to Retinal Ischemia: A Growing Health Concern in America
Published November 2024 in the
International Iridology Practitioners Association Newsletter
Figure 1: Retinal Ischemia brought on by central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO)
(McClelland, 2017)
In June 2024, an optometrist diagnosed me with retinal ischemia. It was twenty days before I could see an ophthalmologist, who vehemently overruled the diagnosis. During those twenty days, I felt extremely vulnerable to the risk of a sudden stroke or heart attack. My research during this difficult period revealed the increasing prevalence of this condition in America and motivated me to start this conversation with my fellow Iridologists.
Cholesterol Signs in Iridology
Iridologists refer to cholesterol signs in the iris as a ring encircling part or the entire iris. This hazy, sometimes colored ring is called the corneal arcus, arcus lipoides, arcus senilis, or lipemic diathesis. Regardless of its name, this corneal sign signals a potential health concern. “This ring represents a tendency for elevated serum cholesterol levels” (Tart-Jensen, 2012, p. 137). The iris delivers key information about possible cholesterol elevations, aiding client education. “High blood pressure and cholesterol can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. Fortunately, the eye reveals warning signs when trouble’s ahead” (Suhr, 2014).
Now that we know the names of this cholesterol sign in the iris, what does it mean? “With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Sometimes, those deposits can break suddenly and form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke” (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). We want to prevent that from happening in the body. Ideally, we also want to prevent that potential in the retina, as seen in some of the more severe cholesterol cases, by being aware that there is a rising incidence of retinal ischemia in the United States.
What is Retinal Ischemia?
Retinal ischemia occurs when the retina does not get enough blood to meet its needs. Ischemia simply means 'oxygen starvation' in tissue or tissue whose blood supply has been reduced or cut off (University of Michigan, n.d.). The retina requires more oxygen than any other tissue in the body, making a steady blood supply crucial. When blood flow is restricted, the retina's cells begin to die. The extent of damage depends on how severe the blood flow obstruction is, which is often caused by plaque. If the plaque breaks loose, it can impair or completely block vision. In more severe cases, it may lead to a stroke or heart attack. A common sign of ischemia is a cherry-red spot in the retina.
Retinal ischemia has been known to originate on the heels of high cholesterol, consistent tension, high blood pressure, a poor diet, and smoking, which are often key contributors to the condition. Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a sudden, emergency blockage of the artery supplying blood to the retina, which causes retinal ischemia and often severe, permanent vision loss. “Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) affects 1-2 out of every 100,000 people per year in the United States. However, the incidence increases with age, reaching 10.1 per 100,000 people per year in the over-80 age bracket. Men also have a slightly higher incidence than women” (Mayo Clinic, 2022). This number has been growing and warrants our attention as Iridologists.
How Can the Iridologist Help?
First, as Iridologists, we understand what retinal ischemia is and how it develops. It is crucial to recognize that Iridologists do not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Instead, we support clients in seeking appropriate care while maintaining our professional integrity. Second, ensure clients visit their optometrist (OD) annually. If they see a specialist, such as an ophthalmologist (MD), encourage them to keep regular appointments; routine check-ins are essential. Ophthalmology has advanced with recent technological breakthroughs and research. Let them be the primary eye care authorities; our role is to support clients.
Recommendations for Improving Cholesterol
Below is a list of actionable recommendations we can provide clients to promote better health, especially related to high cholesterol. Health goes beyond just diet and drinks—it's about maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Does your client see their physician for an annual exam and blood test? This is an important starting point. These tests provide valuable information and promote better health care practices.
Is your client’s doctor able to perform live blood analysis and intravenous blood cleansing if necessary? This is a good time to check for parasites and other issues, as well.
When was their last optometry appointment? Routine eye exams are important.
Does your client exercise regularly? Encourage them to include movement in their daily routine. Every effort helps improve their health.
Is your client at a healthy weight? If not, weight loss is an important part of reducing cholesterol. “Every extra pound of excess fat means that the heart has to pump blood through an additional 200 miles of capillaries…” (Jackson, 1993, p. 190).
Does your client make mindful food choices? Encourage them to focus on heart-friendly foods like berries, leafy greens, and legumes. These nutrient-dense options support heart health. Suggest they avoid foods that can raise unhealthy cholesterol, such as dairy, red meats, fried foods, table salt, sugar, breads and gluten, sodas, and alcohol.
Steel-cut oats have a lower glycemic index than other types of oats. They are more nutritious, take longer to digest, and help stabilize blood sugar levels, promoting longer-lasting fullness.
Garlic may help lower LDL cholesterol, clean the blood, reduce triglycerides, and block fatty acid production. Onions contain organic sulfur compounds that can help reduce bad cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels.
Does your client consume essential fresh foods like salads and vegetables? Fresh fruits and vegetables help keep the blood clean. They are detoxifying and provide vital nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body's tissues.
Do your clients know about lecithin? Lecithin can help lower LDL cholesterol. “…when lecithin is taken in sufficient quantities, it balances the cholesterol, keeps it dissolved in the blood, and prevents it from coating artery walls” (Jensen, 1983, p. 29).
Clients might benefit from liquid hawthorn because it is used for heart and blood vessel issues and has been shown to lower cholesterol and blood fats. Boluoke Lumbrokinase is a strong supplement that helps support the body by keeping blood clotting balanced and encouraging healthy blood flow. However, practitioners should advise their clients to consult healthcare providers before starting any new supplements. This helps ensure client safety and can identify any possible contraindications or interactions with current medications.
Is your client consistently stressed? Learning to avoid and manage emotional stress, smoking, fast foods, and rushing through meals is important for the whole person. “Tension in the body will cause the arteries to narrow further, and thereby increase the risk of a hemorrhage to an artery” (Jackson, 1993, p. 189).
Does your client have emotional well-being? Some holistic views, like Louise Hay's, suggest that high cholesterol can be connected to emotional states and mindset. For clients interested in holistic methods, exploring positive affirmations and emotional health might be helpful. She says that high cholesterol is related to "clogging the channels of joy" and a "fear of accepting joy." Her New Thought Pattern encourages a positive outlook: "I choose to love life. My channels of joy are wide open. It is safe to receive" (Hay, 1982, p. 24).
Some clients might find it helpful to consult a therapist or spiritual advisor if they have health concerns related to their life circumstances. Encourage expressing concerns and seeking support from professionals, friends, and family.
Suggest that your clients consider exploring complementary and alternative medicine, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, Reiki, homeopathy, and Bach Flower essences, to support their healing process.
Conclusion
We must take cholesterol signs reflected in the eyes seriously and teach our clients how to support their bodies through diet, exercise, emotional wellness, and rest. Collaborating closely with medical professionals is essential to providing comprehensive care; therefore, we should emphasize the importance of clients visiting their optometry specialists regularly. By respecting and working alongside medical experts, we can improve our client support. Finally, "Prevention is the supreme goal" (Jensen, 1989, p. 11). Care for the body and eliminate the risk of retinal ischemia by reducing or eliminating chronic or elevated cholesterol levels, along with other poor health factors, and pay attention because the eye reveals warning signs when trouble’s ahead.
References
Hay, L. (1982). Heal your body: The mental causes for physical illness and the metaphysical way to overcome them. Hay House.
Jackson, A. (1993). Iridology: A guide to iris analysis and preventive health care. Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc.
Jensen, B. (1983). The chemistry of man. Bernard Jensen International.
Jensen, B. (1989). The science and practice of iridology, Volume 1. Bernard Jensen International.
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). High cholesterol. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800
Mayo Clinic. (2022, October 1). New study assesses the risk of a stroke before and after central retinal artery occlusion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/ophthalmology/news/new-study-assesses-the-risk-of-stroke-before-and-after-central-retinal-artery-occlusion/mac-20538136
McClelland, C. M. (2017, January 14). 7 pearls for managing transient and permanent retinal ischemia. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/young-ophthalmologists/yo-info/article/7-pearls-managing-transient-permanent-retinal-isch
Suhr, C. (2014, April 15). How hypertension and high cholesterol harm the eye. Review of Optometry, 151(4). https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/how-hypertension-and-high-cholesterol-harm-the-eye
Tart-Jensen, E. (2012). Techniques in Iris Analysis Textbook for Iridology. Infinite Iris.
University of Michigan. (n.d.). Retinal Ischemia.
https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/Ophthalmology/Retina/RetinalIschemia.pdf