Are colored lines around the iris of the eye something normal?

Question

The thing is that recently I was inspecting my eyes and I noticed a grey line around the iris of my eye and I thought it was odd. I've noticed it in previous times years before, but since now I'm studying biology I'm getting more concern. I've heard before that if might be an indication of cataract but I'm unsure of that. Could somebody help me?

Answer 1

Rings around the eye or deposits within the cornea may occur in a variety of conditions. Often these are caused by drugs that are used in the treatment of medical conditions; sometimes they may be fatty deposits and only rarely are they the tell tale signs of systemic disease.

Assuming that you enjoy good health, that you do not have gout (podagra or uric acid) or liver disease and that you take no medication, I suggest that you visit your optician first and then your doctor.

It will be helpful if you are able to tell your GP the details of your blood-relatives' history of any familial illnesses. You probably have arcus senilis whereby fat is deposited in the eye. Since this is sometimes associated with abnormalities of fat metabolism, your doctor may wish to check your fasting levels of blood fats. However, in most individuals arcus is an incidental finding of no great importance.