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Arcus Juvenilis

Dear Medhelp,

I' m 21 yrs old and I have arcus juvenilis on both eye. I've visited my ophthalmologist and he said that its AJ. I' m worried if it can cause blindness since I got it on early age. My Dr. said it will eventually get thick  until it goes on my whole eyes and that I may be blind when I get old maybe 30 or 40 :'(
I' m really worried about it cos I have it now even I'm only 21. I also want to know if there's a treatment on this cos I don't want to be blind...

Thanks,
Eina
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363281 tn?1643235611
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hello~I agree with the others,  I would also try to cut down on high fat and cholesterol foods, this is a good way to eat regardless of any health issues.

I have been doing some on-line searches, the following is what I found from the Mayo Clinic, I trust what they say:

Here is the link to it as well:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/arcus-senilis/faq-20058306

"Arcus senilis is a gray or white arc visible above and below the outer part of the cornea — the clear, dome-like covering over the front of the eye. Eventually, the arc may become a complete ring around the colored portion (iris) of your eye.

Arcus senilis is common in older adults. It's caused by fat (lipid) deposits deep in the edge of the cornea. It isn't related to high cholesterol, however. Arcus senilis doesn't affect vision, nor does it require treatment.


An arc or ring around the iris sometimes occurs in younger people who have severe cases of high cholesterol and high triglycerides passed down through families (familial hyperlipidemia). In people with familial hyperlipidemia, this typically occurs before age 45.



With

Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D."
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Avatar universal
Thank you Sash! I' m just really concerned about being blind cos that's what my ophthalmologist said that if I' m lucky and the AJ gets bigger and bigger I may need corneal transplant when I was 30 or 40. So AJ doesn't affect the vision. Thanks :)
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2 Comments
Hi Eina89,
I have the same arcs around the top of my eyes and am rather worried. I’m seeing my doctor in a couple of days.
Have you had any further news about your condition?
Welcome to the forum.  So, you have arcus senilis meaning this arc or ring around your eye came about after childhood?  Here is information on this https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319490.php.  We're glad you are seeing your doctor in a few days.  They will likely check your cholesterol as high cholesterol is sometimes (not always ) associated with this. It really is not a huge concern to have this unless it is because of high cholesterol which has health implications of its own.  Let us know how the doctor's appointment goes.
1631970 tn?1299949931
Arcus senilis is a white or gray opaque ring or arc around the cornea of the eye. Arcus senilis is seen often in the elderly, but is sometimes present at birth. When arcus senilis develops in early or middle life, it is referred to as arcus juvenilis.
Although arcus senilis does not interfere with vision, the condition may indicate elevated levels of cholesterol. The arc or ring that occurs with arcus senilis comes from lipids (fats) or cholesterol deposited in the cornea.

If you take good care of yourself, you should stop the development.
Your opthamologist will consult you at best.
there are some esxperimental treatments but i do not know anybody who was blinded by this.

hope this helps.

BR: Sash
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