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Colored rings in the iris, most commonly appearing as a white, gray, or bluish ring around the cornea's edge, are usually referred to as Arcus Senilis (arcus lipoides). This is a very common age-related condition caused by lipid (fat or cholesterol) deposits building up in the outer edge of the cornea. Because the cornea is transparent, the ring appears visible just outside the colored part of your eye (the iris).
read more about colored rings in the iris ...The rings are caused by lipid deposits, primarily made of cholesterol and triglycerides, which filter out of the blood vessels and accumulate in the corneal tissue. This accumulation is typically a natural sign of aging. While it is almost always harmless in older adults, in younger people, it may signal an underlying cholesterol or lipid metabolism disorder.
No. Since the cholesterol deposits are only in the very outer edge of the cornea, the center of your vision is never affected. The ring does not cause pain, vision loss, or functional problems within the eye itself. For the eye, the colored rings are strictly a cosmetic sign.
Yes. Arcus Senilis is very common and considered benign in individuals over the age of 60. When it appears in people under the age of 40 (referred to as Arcus Juvenilis), it raises a greater concern for systemic health, as it may be an indicator of significantly high blood cholesterol levels that need to be addressed by a primary care physician.
Yes, though they are much rarer. A less common type is the Kayser-Fleischer Ring, which appears as a green-brown ring near the cornea's edge. This type of ring is caused by copper deposits and is a sign of Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting the body's ability to process copper.
Can I get rid of Arcus Senilis?
No. The lipid deposits are permanent, and since they are harmless to vision, doctors do not recommend any surgical or medical procedure to remove them.
Does Arcus Senilis mean I definitely have high cholesterol?
Not necessarily, especially if you are over 60. It is a common sign of aging. However, it is a definitive reason to check your cholesterol levels, particularly if you are younger or have other cardiovascular risk factors.
Can colored contact lenses hide the rings?
Yes. If the appearance of the rings is a cosmetic concern, colored contact lenses available through Lens.com can be used to effectively mask the peripheral appearance of the ring.