Round patch on my eyes

About 3 years ago I discovered i could not read very well under anykind of light except very bright lights like the fluorescent buylbs. Then a year latter I realised I could not read my bible and look up words in the dictionary without reading glasses.Last year it became obvious that greyish matter is covering the black spot on my eyes. Now I cannot read at all without reading glasses. My Doctor says it is cholestrol deposit which might be associated with high blood pressure which I donot have by all tests. Am 42 years he says it could also be age related. Can it be corrected? Can my reduction of cholestrol laden food help? How worse can it be? Am a teacher constantly reading carrying out researches. Hoping to hear from any one with possible answers.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. Loss of ability to read without glasses is called presbyopia and is normal. It will get worse as you get older.

2. A grayish white ring on the cornea (like a white side wall tire) is called an arcus and is not normal for your age. It is often associated with high blood cholesterol but NOT high blood pressure. You need a fasting lipid profile. If your cholesterol, LDL or triglycerides are high you need a trial of diet and exercise if it doesn't go down you may need to go on statins. Discuss with your GP.

3. You need you eyes checked at least every two years now by an Eye MD Ophthalmologist.

JCH III MD