Arcus senilis is commonly seen with aging and is associated with which lipid abnormality?

• A. Hyperlipidemia
• B. Hypolipidemia
• C. Normal lipids
• D. Pancreatic insufficiency

Answer: (A)

Arcus senilis is a grayish-white ring around the corneal margin formed by cholesterol-containing deposits in the cornea. This observable change is commonly linked to elevated lipid levels in the blood, especially high LDL cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). While it can be a benign age-related finding in older adults, its appearance in younger individuals often points to familial hypercholesterolemia and increased cardiovascular risk, underscoring the need for lipid testing. Hypolipidemia or normal lipid levels would not typically produce this corneal ring, and pancreatic insufficiency is not related to this ocular lipid deposition.