Probably you!

My husband has a similar condition and we, too, are trying to figure out what is causing this. His doctor's internet research turned up the following information. According to Kenton McWilliams, O.D. in response to a question about blue rings around brown eyes, "What I think your friend has is a corneal condition called CORNEAL ARCUS. It is a relatively common condition usually found in folks over the age of 60 and is referred to as ARCUS SENILIS... [The ring of blue around his brown iris] is actually a ring of hazy/white deposits on the edge of his cornea and accumulates 360 degrees of the corneal periphery. This deposit is due to the accumulation of excess cholesterol that deposits there secondary to the aging human body. Other such deposits exist elsewhere in the body as well. If someone under age 55 has these deposits, it may signal a deeper underlying problem with high cholesterol, that may affect the arteries and heart, and put the patient at higher risk for arteriosclerosis, stroke, and hypertension..." NOTE: My husband is in his 40s, is of Native American ancestry and has worked outdoors most of his life. According to lab tests, his cholesterol level falls within a normal range. We are still looking for other explanations for the grey rings around his eyes and any SERIOUS help would be greatly appreciated.

I also have the same grey rings on the top of my iris.I am only 27 years old.I am looking for more info.It has been off an on for the last 8 yrs or so.

OLDER ADULTS: Arcus senilis is a grayish or whitish arc or circle visible around the peripheral part of the cornea in older adults. Arcus senilis is caused by lipid deposits in the deep layer of the peripheral cornea and not necessarily associated with high blood cholesterol. However, a similar discoloration in the eyes of younger adults (arcus juvenilis) is often associated with high blood cholesterol. Such a finding in younger individuals warrants further evaluation by a doctor. YOUNGER ADULTS: Contributor: Dr. Gordon K. Klintworth Arcus juvenilis (arcus lipoides) is a white ring due to lipid deposition in the peripheral cornea that occurs with aging. The opacification often appears in the upper and lower parts of the cornea and may form a complete ring. Although arcus senilis is often a manifestation of aging, individuals <50 years of age may be affected, especially if they have elevated cholesterol levels and are smokers. Hyperlipidemia is often associated and the presence of arcus lipoides in a young person alerts the astute clinician to the systemic disorder of lipid metabolism and justifies an investigation of serum lipids. Sudanophilic lipid deposits in Descemet membrane, Bowman zone and in a wedge-shaped portion of the peripheral corneal stroma. Phospholipids and noncrystalline cholesterol deposit in the peripheral cornea and adjacent sclera. It appears as a deep, often incomplete yellowish-white ring, with a sharp outer margin and a poorly defined inner margin. It involves all layers of the cornea except for the corneal epithelium. The deposition is most prominent in Descemet membrane and least prominent in the midstroma. Mayo Clinic cardiologist Gerald Gau, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers. Lipid disorders; Hyperlipoproteinemia; Hyperlipidemia; Dyslipidemia; Hypercholesterolemia Definition The medical term for high blood cholesterol and triglycerides is lipid disorder. Such a disorder occurs when you have too many fatty substances in your blood. These substances include cholesterol and triglycerides. A lipid disorder increases your risk for atherosclerosis and heart disease. Causes High cholesterol and other lipid disorders can be inherited (passed down through families) or associated with: * Fatty diets * Disease such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome, and kidney failure * Certain medications, including birth control pills, estrogen, corticosteroids, certain diuretics, and beta-blockers * Lifestyle factors, including inactivity and regular, excessive alcohol use. If you smoke and also have high cholesterol you have an even greater risk for heart disease. Lipid disorders are more common in men than women. Exams and Tests to diagnose a lipid disorder may include: * Lipoprotein test * Lipoprotein(a) analysis * HDL test * LDL test

My daughter just noticed that I now have blue-gray rings around my dark brown irises. I am age 58. I have regular cholesterol and other lipid tests because I am diabetic. These tests consistently show a high level of good cholesterol (HDL), a normal level of bad cholesterol (LDL), and normal triglycerides. However, after reading response number 4, I am heading back to the doctor. I will let you know what I find out.

Don't worry. Although it looks a little strange, I don't think it is anything to worry about. I am aztec indian, and my Father had them, and so do my sisters, and me. We are all a little over 50 years of age. mY fATHER NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS FROM IT, AND ALTHOUGH MINE HAVE BECOME MORE OBVIOUS, AND i THINK THEY MAKE ME LOOK OLD, THEY HAVEN'T EFFECTED MY VISION OR ANYTHING. sORRY i HIT CAPLOCK BY MISTAKE. sOME PEOPLE SAY THAT THEY THINK MY EYES ARE BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE OF THE GREY OUTER AREAS. fIND OUT IF HER PARENTS HAD THEM, BECAUSE MINE ARE HEREDITARY.

The grey rings around the cornea are most likely "senile arcus," an unfortunately terrible name describing something which happens to the outward appearance of some people's eyes as they age. Some people get thick yellow patches (xanthelasmas) around their eyes or eyelids, which are caused by a build-up of cholesterol in these areas. For example, there is a xanthelasma on the left eyelid of the Mona Lisa. Some people may also have a whitish-grey ring around their irises, the coloured parts of their eyes. However sometimes these appear for other reasons as we get older, so it's best to get a cholesterol test to be sure. A grey ring around the white of the eye which could point to high cholesterol, particularly in younger people. On the other hand, badly puffy bags under the eye could be a tell tale sign of too many toxins - the result of excessive drinking or smoking. Any scratches or spots on the cornea (the transparent part of the front of your eyeball) could be the first sign of shingles or herpes.

Cholesterol.

I'm 45 and have the same thing occurring. I too have brown eyes. I was told by the opt (eye) doc that it's high cholesterol. When I checked with my PCM she ran tests, and said my cholesterol was very, very good. Therefore, I am concerned because I am hoping this is not the result of cancer or something having to do with neurological issues. I have been sick for some time and would like to know if grey circles around my brown eyeballs is symptomatic of some larger health issue/s, considering the oncologist could not find what was wrong with me. He could only treat my blood symptoms. Anyone else know what this is?