Arcus senilis (or Arcus senilis corneae) is a white or gray opaque ring in the corneal margin (peripheral corneal opacity) present at birth or appearing later in life and becoming quite frequent in those over 50.

It is also called A. adiposus, A. juvenilis (When it occurs in younger individuals), A. lipoides corneae, and A. senilis.

It is most often found in the elderly, hence the name.

Causes

It results from cholesterol deposits in or hyalinosis of the corneal stroma and may be associated with ocular defects or with familial hyperlipidemia.

It can be a sign of disturbance in lipid metabolism, an indicator of conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipoproteinemia or hyperlipidemia.

Unilateral arcus is a sign of decreased blood flow to the unaffected eye, due to carotid artery disease or ocular hypotony.

Also known as arcus cornealis

External links

• Photo at kumc.edu
• Photo at hoppingeyeassociates.com
• Photo at apollolipids.org
• Definition at Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary