| Arcus senilis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | arcus adiposus, arcus juvenilis, arcus lipoides corneae, arcus cornealis |
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| Arcus senilis deposits tend to start at 6 and 12 o'clock and progress until becoming completely circumferential. The thin clear section separating the arcus from the limbus is known as the clear interval of Vogt. | |
| Specialty | Ophthalmology  |
| Symptoms | Opaque ring in the peripheral cornea |
| Causes | Normal aging, Hyperlipidemia |
| Differential diagnosis | Limbus sign, limbal ring |
| Treatment | None |
| Prognosis | Benign condition in elderly, associated with cardiovascular disease for <50 yrs old |
Arcus senilis (AS), also known as gerontoxon, arcus lipoides, arcus corneae, corneal arcus, arcus adiposus, or arcus cornealis, are rings in the peripheral cornea. It is usually caused by cholesterol deposits, so it may be a sign of high cholesterol. It is the most common peripheral corneal opacity, and is usually found in the elderly where it is considered a benign condition. When AS is found in patients less than 50 years old it is termed arcus juvenilis. The finding of arcus juvenilis in combination with hyperlipidemia in younger men represents an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.