Arcus Not So Senilis

Abstract

A survey of 2 populations of Negroes and whites was done to quantify the prevalence of corneal arcus. One group consisted of hospital patients who were examined for the presence of arcus and their charts reviewed for a history of angina, myocardial infarction or stroke, evidence of abnormal fasting blood sugar, ecg or blood pressure. Children were examined solely for the presence of arcus. A different population of Negroes and whites, both more economically homogeneous and free of serious disease, were examined for the presence of arcus, blood pressure was obtained and annual income ranges were recorded. The results revealed a higher frequency of corneal arcus in the Negro. While both races show a tendency to develop the lesion with advancing age, some Negro males and females will show lesions relatively early in life. The corneal lesion seems not to be a useful predictor of diastollc hypertension, myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accidents. Possibly in the Negro at least the development of arcus is genetically determined, rather than a reflection of generalized lipid disturbances or of generalized vascular disease. It would appear desirable to label this lesion "arcus corneae" rather than "arcus senilis" or "gerontoxon.".