Arcus senilis - External and Internal Eye
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
Arcus senilis is associated with lipid deposition within the corneal stroma. It manifests clinically as annular blue, grey, or white deposits within the periphery of the cornea with a distinct clear perilimbic zone. Its prevalence increases with age. Early onset may be associated with hypercholesterolemia. The same condition in younger patients is known as arcus juvenilis.
Codes
ICD10CM:
H18.419 – Arcus senilis, unspecified eye
SNOMEDCT:
18735004 – Arcus senilis
H18.419 – Arcus senilis, unspecified eye
SNOMEDCT:
18735004 – Arcus senilis
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
Annular deposits within the cornea should be distinguished based on composition.
- Dystrophic calcification, which is thought to be caused by increased serum calcium, also produces a "milky white" ring (limbus sign) similar to arcus senilis / juvenilis, though in dystrophic calcification the accumulation may have a greater concentration along the inferior margin of the limbus.
- Kayser-Fleisher ring of Wilson disease – usually distinctive green to gold-brown in color.
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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References
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Last Updated:01/11/2022
Arcus senilis - External and Internal Eye