Arcus senilis is considered normal in which group?

• A. Normal in people over 50 years of age
• B. Copper deposits in the cornea
• C. Loss of central vision
• D. Degeneration of the arcus and obstruction of tear ducts

Answer: (A)

Arcus senilis is a benign corneal change that presents as a thin gray-white ring around the corneal margin due to lipid deposits in the corneal stroma. This finding is considered normal in older adults, typically those over about 50 years old, and it usually does not affect vision. In people younger than 50, its appearance can signal underlying lipid disorders, so lipid screening may be indicated. The other options describe different conditions: copper deposits around the cornea occur in Wilson disease (Kayser-Fleischer rings), loss of central vision points to macular problems, and there isn’t a degenerative process of arcus with tear duct obstruction.