Arcus senilis is a white, gray, or blue arc or ring that develops around the edge of the cornea. It typically appears as an arc that affects the top and bottom of the cornea.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), arcus senilis is harmless. However, if the ring appears in young adults, it may sometimes be a sign of high cholesterol.
Arcus senilis is white, blue, or grey rings around the cornea, the clear, dome-like part of the eye. They form in front of the iris, the colored part of the eye. The rings
Arcus senilis is also known as corneal arcus.
If the rings appear in young adults and children, healthcare professionals refer to this as arcus juvenilis.
Although the appearance of arcus senilis may be concerning, it does not affect a person’s vision and is not a sign of a serious medical condition.
However, contacting a doctor will ensure that there are no hidden causes that could lead to further health complications.
Arcus senilis most commonly appears as people age. The AAO states that nearly all people will eventually develop the condition, which appears to be more common in men.
Arcus senilis occurs due to fat deposits, or lipids, forming in the outer part of the cornea. Fats in the blood come from fatty foods in a person’s diet. The liver also produces them. Cholesterol is one type of fat that appears in the blood.
As someone ages, their blood vessels widen, allowing more cholesterol and other fats to build up in the eye. If arcus senilis appears in people
The occurrence of arcus senilis does not mean that someone has high cholesterol. High cholesterol could be due to diet, lifestyle, or genetic conditions.
Possible complications
Arcus senilis
High cholesterol levels in a person’s blood can cause significant problems, such as coronary artery disease or cardiovascular disease.
A person with arcus senilis may notice a white, gray, or blue circle or arc around the eye’s cornea.
The circle or arc will have a sharp outer but blurred inner border. The lines could form a complete circle before the iris if someone has an arc.
People with arcus senilis are unlikely to have other symptoms, and their vision will remain unaffected.
A cataract is the lens clouding in the eye due to changes in protein structure. The lens focuses light rays on the retina. As a cataract forms, it prevents light from passing through and causes blurred vision. Cataracts may grow over time and ultimately impede vision. They are not usually visible unless they are quite advanced.
Cataracts are generally age-related, although some may develop early in life or as a response to disease or trauma, and some babies may be born with them.
Arcus senilis is not a vision problem. However, it could indicate other health conditions.
To diagnose arcus senilis, a doctor will perform an eye examination. The eye doctor will examine the front of the eye with a microscope called a slit lamp.
The examination may also involve placing special eye drops into the person’s eye that widen the pupil. These drops allow the doctor to inspect the blood vessels at the back of the eye for signs of disease.
The doctor will check the vessels’ thickness for increased fat deposit levels. They will also look for signs of atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become clogged with fatty substances.
If a doctor suspects both arcus senilis and atherosclerosis, they usually refer people to their primary care doctor, an internist, or a cardiologist.
A blood test will determine whether someone has high cholesterol. If they do, a doctor may prescribe medication or advise on a suitable diet and exercise program to lower the cholesterol in their blood.
Medications used to lower levels of cholesterol include:
- Statin drugs: These block a substance the liver uses to make cholesterol. Possible prescriptions include atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Altoprev), pravastatin (Pravachol), and rosuvastatin (Crestor).
- Bile acid-binding resins: These prompt the liver to use cholesterol to produce more digestive substances known as bile acids, lowering the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Possible prescriptions include cholestyramine (Prevalite), colesevelam (Welchol), and colestipol (Colestid).
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These can reduce the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs. One possible prescription is ezetimibe (Zetia).
Once it appears, it will not fade or disappear. However, treatment for arcus senilis is not necessary.
If arcus senilis is a sign of high cholesterol, a doctor may recommend a diet low in saturated fats and high in fruit, vegetables, and fiber. Increased exercise and quitting smoking can also help.
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However, if they appear in someone under 40, they should contact a doctor to ensure that they do not have high cholesterol.
What does arcus senilis indicate?
Arcus senilis mostly occurs due to old age but may also be a sign of high cholesterol.
Does arcus senilis mean a person has high cholesterol?
Arcus senilis does not mean that someone has high cholesterol. High cholesterol could also occur from diet, lifestyle, or genetic conditions.
How can a person treat arcus senilis?
If the reason for arcus senilis is high cholesterol, a doctor may aim to treat the condition with diet and exercise. However, there is no treatment if it appears to be due to old age.
Arcus senilis is a common condition that develops as people age.
It occurs when deposits of fat surround the cornea of the eye. Older adults are more prone to arcus senilis because blood vessels in the eye open with age, allowing more cholesterol to enter.
If it develops in people under 40, a doctor may recommend a blood test to check cholesterol levels. Eye coloring is not a cause for concern at any age and does not cause vision problems.
