Significance of arcus senilis in Caucasians

A study of arcus senilis in Caucasian men and women is reported. The prevalence of arcus senilis increases with age in both sexes and occurs more frequently in men. In women arcus senilis is uncommon before the menopause. The occurrence of arcus senilis in Caucasians is not a significant finding, except in men under the age of 40 years, when it is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.