6 Signs of Heart Disease That May Appear on the Face: From Earlobe Creases to Facial Redness
3. A White or Gray Ring Around the Iris: Corneal Arcus
Have you noticed a white, gray or pale ring around the colored part of the eye?
This may be a condition called corneal arcus, also known as arcus senilis when it occurs with aging.
The ring generally forms around the outer edge of the cornea and can appear white, gray or slightly blue-gray.
It is relatively common as people get older.
Is corneal arcus a sign of heart disease?
Not necessarily.
In older adults, corneal arcus can be a normal age-related finding.
The important factor is age at appearance.
When a similar ring develops in a younger person, healthcare professionals may consider whether an underlying lipid disorder could be present.
This is particularly relevant when the person also has other risk factors for high cholesterol or a family history of premature cardiovascular disease.
What causes the ring?
The ring is associated with deposits of lipids in the peripheral cornea.
Although this may sound alarming, age-related corneal arcus does not generally interfere with vision.
It is primarily a visible change in the eye.
Why does age matter?
As with many visible signs of aging, context is critical.
A grayish corneal ring in an older adult may simply reflect normal aging.
The same finding in a young adult can prompt a different set of questions.
For example:
- What are the person’s cholesterol levels?
- Is there a family history of high cholesterol?
- Has anyone in the family experienced a heart attack at a young age?
- Are there other physical signs of lipid disorders?
- Are there other cardiovascular risk factors?
This is an example of why facial and eye signs should be interpreted in context.
Corneal arcus versus cataracts
These conditions are not the same.
Corneal arcus occurs around the outer edge of the cornea, while cataracts involve clouding of the eye’s lens.
A person who notices a new change in the appearance of the eye should not attempt to diagnose it from photographs or internet articles.
An optometrist, ophthalmologist or other appropriate healthcare professional can determine what the finding actually represents.
August 30, 2026 | 10:23 pm
