Which condition is indicated by a thin white ring around the margin of the iris in an older adult?

Which condition is indicated by a thin white ring around the margin of the iris in an older adult?

• A. Arcus senilis
• B. Cataract
• C. Glaucoma
• D. Conjunctivitis

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that this finding is a corneal arcus, known as arcus senilis. It shows up as a thin white or grayish ring around the peripheral edge of the cornea near the iris in many older adults. It results from lipid deposits in the corneal stroma as part of aging. It’s usually a benign, age-related change and doesn’t affect vision. In younger people, seeing this ring can prompt evaluation for lipid disorders, but in an older adult it’s typically just a common aging change. This is different from cataracts (lens opacity), glaucoma (optic nerve damage with characteristic vision changes), or conjunctivitis (red, irritated conjunctiva with discharge).

The main idea here is that this finding is a corneal arcus, known as arcus senilis. It shows up as a thin white or grayish ring around the peripheral edge of the cornea near the iris in many older adults. It results from lipid deposits in the corneal stroma as part of aging. It’s usually a benign, age-related change and doesn’t affect vision. In younger people, seeing this ring can prompt evaluation for lipid disorders, but in an older adult it’s typically just a common aging change. This is different from cataracts (lens opacity), glaucoma (optic nerve damage with characteristic vision changes), or conjunctivitis (red, irritated conjunctiva with discharge).