Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma [zan-thel-az-muh] are yellowish, opaque, fatty lumps on the eyelids. They are deposits of cholesterol and can occur in a number of areas, most often on the inner corners of the eyes, and are frequently symmetrical in appearance (xanthelasma appearing in the same place or places on both eyes). Xanthelasma are benign, but cause people a lot of distress because of their prominent discolouration; the condition developing most frequently in women of middle age upwards. Xanthelasma can be surgically removed under local anaesthetic; incisions are closed up with self-dissolving sutures.