Arcus Senilis is a medical term referring to a fatty deposit that develops around the cornea of the eye, commonly found in elderly individuals. The spelling of this term can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription, with "Arcus" pronounced as /ˈɑːrkəs/ and "Senilis" pronounced as /sɪˈnaɪlɪs/. The letter "c" in "Arcus" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound, while the "s" in "Senilis" is pronounced as a soft "s" sound. This term is important to know for ophthalmologists and optometrists when diagnosing eye conditions in older patients.
Arcus senilis is a medical condition characterized by a white or grayish ring that appears in the peripheral area of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. It is mainly associated with aging and is commonly seen in older individuals, typically above the age of 60. The term "arcus" refers to the shape of the ring, which is often semi-circular or crescent-shaped.
The condition is caused by the buildup of lipids, specifically cholesterol and other fats, in the cornea. This accumulation occurs due to changes in lipid metabolism associated with advancing age. Arcus senilis is generally considered harmless and does not cause any vision impairment or discomfort in most cases.
The appearance of arcus senilis can vary, with some individuals experiencing a complete ring around the cornea while others have only portions of the ring visible. The condition can affect one or both eyes.
While arcus senilis is typically harmless, it may indicate a higher risk of developing certain health conditions, particularly those related to elevated blood lipid levels. Therefore, its presence may prompt healthcare professionals to investigate the individual's overall cardiovascular health and consider conducting tests to assess their lipid profile.
In summary, arcus senilis is a benign condition characterized by the presence of a white or grayish ring in the outer part of the eye's cornea, commonly observed in older individuals. It generally does not cause any visual or ocular discomfort but may be an indicator of increased risk for certain cardiovascular conditions.
An opaque, grayish ring at the periphery of the cornea, of frequent occurrence in the aged; it results from a deposit of fatty granules in the lamellae and cells of the cornea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "Arcus Senilis" is derived from Latin.
- "Arcus" means "arch" or "curve" in Latin.
- "Senilis" is derived from the Latin word "senex", which means "old" or "aged".
Therefore, "Arcus Senilis" can be translated as "arc of old age" or "arc of aging". This term is used in medicine to describe a condition where a white or grayish arc appears in the cornea of the eye, commonly seen in elderly individuals.