Arcus Juvenilis
Colored rings around the cornea during early childhood or early adulthood are known in medical circles as arcus juvenilis. It is similar to the condition known as arcus senilis, which happens to older adults who also develop a white, grayish, or bluish ring around the edge of the cornea. These rings are mostly made up of cholesterol, and arcus senilis or arcus juvenilis can make the iris appear to have two different colors.
While arcus senilis isn’t considered harmful and doesn’t require further medical attention or treatment, the same cannot be said about arcus juvenilis. Arcus juvenilis is typically a sign that the child or young adult suffers from elevated cholesterol levels. This also signifies that the person has a higher risk of contracting coronary heart disease and other similar conditions. People with arcus juvenilis must visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive exam and determine the effect of the condition. Corneal arcus doesn’t have any cure and is generally considered harmless but does indicate that there might be an underlying condition that needs immediate medical attention.
