Cholesterol metabolism is crucial for cellular and systemic function. Disruption of cholesterol metabolism can lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other diseases. Cholesterol metabolism involves synthesis, uptake, efflux, and storage, and is tightly regulated. Recent studies have shown that abnormal cholesterol metabolism is closely related to various diseases, including CVD, tumors, neurological diseases, and immune system diseases. This review discusses the metabolic process of cholesterol in the human body, particularly reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), and its impact on common diseases. It also focuses on the effect of cholesterol metabolism on eye diseases. The review outlines the metabolic process of cholesterol, including synthesis, transport, and efflux, and discusses the impact of abnormal cholesterol metabolism on common diseases and potential therapeutic targets. It also discusses the role of cholesterol metabolism in eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The review highlights the importance of understanding cholesterol metabolism in the context of disease pathogenesis and treatment. Cholesterol metabolism is a complex process that involves multiple pathways and regulatory mechanisms. Disruption of cholesterol metabolism can lead to various diseases, and understanding the mechanisms of cholesterol metabolism is essential for developing new therapeutic strategies. The review also discusses the role of cholesterol metabolism in the development of tumors, neurological diseases, and immune system diseases. The review emphasizes the need for further research on the role of cholesterol metabolism in disease pathogenesis and treatment.Cholesterol metabolism is crucial for cellular and systemic function. Disruption of cholesterol metabolism can lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other diseases. Cholesterol metabolism involves synthesis, uptake, efflux, and storage, and is tightly regulated. Recent studies have shown that abnormal cholesterol metabolism is closely related to various diseases, including CVD, tumors, neurological diseases, and immune system diseases. This review discusses the metabolic process of cholesterol in the human body, particularly reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), and its impact on common diseases. It also focuses on the effect of cholesterol metabolism on eye diseases. The review outlines the metabolic process of cholesterol, including synthesis, transport, and efflux, and discusses the impact of abnormal cholesterol metabolism on common diseases and potential therapeutic targets. It also discusses the role of cholesterol metabolism in eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The review highlights the importance of understanding cholesterol metabolism in the context of disease pathogenesis and treatment. Cholesterol metabolism is a complex process that involves multiple pathways and regulatory mechanisms. Disruption of cholesterol metabolism can lead to various diseases, and understanding the mechanisms of cholesterol metabolism is essential for developing new therapeutic strategies. The review also discusses the role of cholesterol metabolism in the development of tumors, neurological diseases, and immune system diseases. The review emphasizes the need for further research on the role of cholesterol metabolism in disease pathogenesis and treatment.