Arcus Senilis

Arcus senilis refers to an annular lipid infiltration of
corneal periphery. This is an age-related change
occurring bilaterally in 60 percent of patients between
40 and 60 years of age and in nearly all patients over
the age of 80. Sometimes, similar changes occur in
young persons (arcus juvenilis) which may or may
not be associated with hyperlipidemia.
The arcus starts in the superior and inferior
quadrants and then progresses circumferentially to
form a ring which is about 1 mm wide. This ring of
opacity is separated from the limbus by a clear zone
(the lucid interval of Vogt) (Fig. 5.16). Sometimes
there may be double ring of arcus.