Arcus Senilis
Disease Details
Family Health Simplified
- Description
- Arcus senilis is a gray or white arc visible above and below the outer part of the cornea, often associated with aging and lipid deposits.
- Type
- Arcus senilis is a non-genetic condition. It is characterized by a gray or white arc visible around the corneal margin and is commonly associated with aging. It is not transmitted genetically.
- Signs And Symptoms
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Arcus senilis:
Signs and Symptoms:
- Appearance of a gray, white, or yellowish arc or ring around the cornea of the eye
- Typically asymptomatic and does not affect vision
- Commonly occurs with aging and is often considered a normal finding in elderly individuals
Nan:
- Not applicable or no information available - Prognosis
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Arcus senilis is a common condition characterized by a gray or white arc or ring around the cornea of the eye, more frequently seen in older adults. The prognosis is generally benign, meaning it does not usually affect vision or require treatment. However, if it appears in individuals under 40, it may be associated with underlying lipid disorders necessitating further evaluation.
Is there anything else you need to know? - Onset
- Arcus senilis typically appears in individuals over the age of 50. It presents as a gray, white, or blue ring or arc around the cornea of the eye.
- Prevalence
- Arcus senilis is a common condition, especially in older adults. Its prevalence increases with age and is typically seen in individuals over the age of 50. In younger people, it may suggest underlying lipid abnormalities or cardiovascular risk factors. It usually presents as a gray or white arc or ring around the cornea and is generally considered benign when associated with aging.
- Epidemiology
- In men, AS is increasingly found starting at age 40, and is present in nearly 100% of men over the age of 80. For women, onset of AS begins at age 50 and is present in nearly all females by age 90.
- Intractability
- Arcus senilis is not considered an intractable condition. It is a common, age-related phenomenon characterized by a gray or white arc visible around the cornea. While it may be associated with elevated cholesterol levels, it is generally benign and does not require treatment. However, managing underlying conditions like high cholesterol through lifestyle changes or medication may be recommended.
- Disease Severity
- Arcus senilis is generally not considered severe. It is a common, benign condition often associated with aging and does not typically affect vision or require treatment. However, in younger individuals, it can sometimes indicate underlying lipid metabolism disorders.
- Healthcare Professionals
- Disease Ontology ID - DOID:11342
- Pathophysiology
- AS is caused by leakage of lipoproteins from limbal capillaries into the corneal stroma. Deposits have been found to consist mostly of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Deposition of lipids into the cornea begins at the superior and inferior aspects, and progresses to encircle the entire peripheral cornea. The interior border of AS has a diffuse appearance, while the exterior border is well demarcated. The clear space between the exterior border and the limbus is called the interval of Vogt.Bilateral AS is a benign finding in the elderly, but it can be associated with hyperlipidemia in patients less than 50 years old. Bilateral AS may also be caused by increased levels of free fatty acids in the circulation secondary to alcohol use.Unilateral AS can be associated with contralateral carotid artery stenosis or decreased intraocular pressure in the affected eye. As these are serious medical conditions, unilateral AS should be examined by a physician.
- Carrier Status
- Arcus senilis is not a condition related to genetic inheritance or carrier status. It is an eye condition characterized by a white, gray, or blue ring or arc around the cornea, commonly associated with aging and often seen in older adults. It is typically benign and related to lipid deposits in the cornea.
- Mechanism
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Arcus senilis is an eye condition characterized by the appearance of a gray or white arc or ring around the cornea. It is typically associated with aging and hyperlipidemia.
**Mechanism:**
- Develops due to lipid deposits in the corneal stroma and Descemet’s membrane.
- The deposits predominantly consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
- These lipids leak from the bloodstream into the corneal stroma.
**Molecular Mechanisms:**
- Lipoprotein metabolism disturbances often result in elevated blood lipid levels, which can lead to lipid deposition in various tissues, including the cornea.
- Increased permeability of corneal endothelial cells allows the lipids to infiltrate and accumulate in the corneal periphery.
- The exact signaling pathways involved in lipid transport and accumulation in the cornea are complex, involving various lipoprotein receptors and enzymes that regulate lipid homeostasis.
Understanding these mechanisms is crucial, as arcus senilis can serve as a clinical indicator of systemic lipid abnormalities, signaling potential cardiovascular risks. - Treatment
- In the elderly, arcus senilis is a benign condition that does not require treatment. The presence of an arcus senilis in males under the age of 50 may represent a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and these individuals should be screened for an underlying lipid disorder. The opaque ring in the cornea does not resolve with treatment of a causative disease process, and can create cosmetic concerns.
- Compassionate Use Treatment
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Arcus senilis is a common eye condition characterized by a gray or white arc around the cornea, often related to aging or high cholesterol levels. It typically does not affect vision and usually doesn't require treatment.
Since arcus senilis is not considered a harmful condition, there are no compassionate use treatments, off-label, or experimental treatments specifically aimed at it. However, managing underlying conditions such as hyperlipidemia through lifestyle changes or medications like statins might be suggested to control associated risks, although these are not direct treatments for arcus senilis itself. Regular monitoring and maintaining overall vascular health are generally recommended. - Lifestyle Recommendations
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Here are the lifestyle recommendations for managing or potentially preventing Arcus senilis:
1. **Healthy Diet**: Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and flaxseeds, can be beneficial.
2. **Manage Cholesterol**: Reduce intake of saturated fats and trans fats. Aim to maintain healthy cholesterol levels through diet and possibly medication, as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
3. **Regular Exercise**: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, to help maintain cardiovascular health and manage cholesterol levels.
4. **Avoid Smoking**: If you smoke, seek help to quit. Smoking can exacerbate cardiovascular problems and contribute to high cholesterol levels.
5. **Limit Alcohol**: Consume alcohol in moderation, if at all, as excessive alcohol can impact cholesterol levels.
6. **Regular Health Check-ups**: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.
Arcus senilis itself does not pose a direct threat to vision, but it can be a marker for other underlying conditions such as hyperlipidemia or cardiovascular disease. Therefore, maintaining overall health is crucial. - Medication
- Arcus senilis is a grey or white arc visible above and below the outer part of the cornea, often related to aging. It is typically harmless and doesn't usually require treatment. However, it can be associated with high cholesterol levels, so if detected, a lipid profile evaluation is recommended. There is no specific medication to treat arcus senilis directly.
- Repurposable Drugs
- Arcus senilis, a corneal condition often seen in the elderly, appears as a gray or white arc around the cornea. It's usually benign and associated with aging or hyperlipidemia. There are currently no drugs specifically repurposed to treat arcus senilis, as it typically does not require treatment. However, addressing underlying lipid disorders with medications like statins can be beneficial in managing associated cardiovascular risk factors.
- Metabolites
- Arcus senilis, also known as corneal arcus, is a condition characterized by a bluish, white, or gray ring or arc around the cornea of the eye. This condition often indicates lipid (cholesterol and triglycerides) deposition. Elevated levels of these lipids can lead to metabolite changes, which may be involved in the formation of the arc. It is more commonly seen in older adults but can sometimes suggest underlying hyperlipidemia in younger individuals. Nanotechnology (nan) is not directly associated with the detection or treatment of arcus senilis.
- Nutraceuticals
- Arcus senilis is a gray or white arc visible above and below the outer part of the cornea. It is generally associated with aging and sometimes with elevated cholesterol levels. There is no direct evidence that nutraceuticals (dietary supplements) can prevent or treat arcus senilis effectively. It is important to manage underlying conditions, such as high cholesterol, through diet, exercise, and possibly medication. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for personalized advice. Nanotechnology applications for treating or monitoring arcus senilis have not been well-established and are not currently standard practice.
- Peptides
- Arcus senilis is a condition characterized by a gray or white arc visible around the corneal margin of the eye. It is often associated with aging and can be a sign of hypercholesterolemia. There is no direct connection to peptides or nanotechnology in its diagnosis or treatment.