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  • Does arcus senilis go away by reducing cholesterol levels?


    Question:

    Does arcus senilis go away by reducing cholesterol levels?


    Answer:

    Arcus is the normal deposit of cholesterol that usually makes a whitish ring around the edge of the cornea. Reducing cholesterol in the diet does not make it go away. If someone develops arcus at a young age it may be a sign of high cholesterol in the blood. If someone has an asymmetric (in one eye) appearance of their arcus, it can be a sign of impaired blood flow through the carotid artery on one side. See an ophthalmologist to confirm your arcus is of normal, age-related variation. 


    Answered By:

    General Eye Health