Blue Ring Around Eye

Your vision appears fine, however you observe a blue ring around the iris (the pigmented part) of your brown eyes. However, this can occur with eyes of any color.

We’ve become aware of eyes appearing yellow due to different conditions relating to the pancreas, gallbladder or liver. However what exactly does a blue ring around the iris of the eye suggest? Should you be fretted? Not always.

Why Is There a Blue Ring Around Brown Eye?

The blue ring around your iris is probably a corneal arcus – a cholesterol deposit in the eye. The ring, which can likewise appear gray or white, appears to surround the iris of your eye however is in fact located within the cornea – the transparent external layer of your eye.

blue rings around the eyes

Corneal arci are considered benign, and normally do not require treatment. This condition should not affect or damage your vision, and while it prevails in older patients, it is uncommon in those under age 40. Younger patients with corneal arci must be assessed for prospective high cholesterol levels. However, as with any thought eye disorder, it’s also smart to look for a total exam from a vision service provider.

Aside from examining your vision for new glasses or contact lenses, eye tests likewise can discover elements of general health. For example, diabetes can cause swelling of the macula and small blood vessel leakages in the eye.

If you have not visited your optometrist in over a year, schedule a consultation today. Prepare for your consultation by reviewing what tests your supplier will carry out. Regular tests are essential for prevention and management of eye health.

Old lady with blue ring around brown iris
Corneal arcus has been somewhat controversial over the years regarding its link to cardiovascular disease due to high lipid/cholesterol levels.

Is It Normal to Have a Blue Ring Around the Eyes?

Expert Answers: If the light blue iris ring you are seeing is at or near the margin in between the iris (colored part of your eye) and the sclera (white part) and forms a large ring around that margin it is most likely to be a deposit of cholesterol. It does not harming to the eye and does not interfere with vision. This is very common in older individuals but if you are a young person it might recommend high cholesterol. If the ring you are seeing is anywhere else on the iris other than following the outside margin, it needs to be checked.

It could be an arcus senilis due to the deposition of lipids as lots of have actually informed. If it appeared at a early age it might be connected to a familiar kind of hypercolhesterolemy.

It might also be a limbus sign, that is the manifestation of calcium deposit instead of a lipid deposit surrounding the iris.

The 3rd and rarest possibility is the Kaiser Fleisher ring, frequently sign however non pathognomonic of Wilson’s Disease.

Numerous individual and non pathological variation of the iris exist however, so it might actually be just your personal iris pattern. If you are fretted about it drop in a physician.

Below are more infrmation about eye color changes:

About Arcus Senilis

Arcus senilis prevails amongst senior individuals, who frequently spot the condition in a mirror. The whitish arc is related to fat (lipid) deposits. Sometimes the condition is related to cholesterol levels in the body. Staining brought on by arcus senilis does not decrease vision or harm the eye. Arcus senilis is exceptionally common, affecting 60% of people between the ages of 50 and 60 and nearly 100% of individuals over 80.

Nevertheless, most eye care doctors feel that individuals with arcus senilis under the age of 50 need to have their blood evaluated to check for elevated cholesterol levels or other lipid conditions. Research shows that younger male clients who have rings around their pupils tend to have an increased risk of coronary artery or cardiovascular disease. According to one study, “corneal arcus is more prevalent in men than in women and in Blacks than in Whites. Its occurrence increases with advancing age. It has been associated with hypercholesterolemia, xanthelasmas, alcohol, blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, age, and coronary cardiovascular disease.”

Other Reasons for Changes in Eye Color

Ring around an eye

Arcus senilis is mostly safe and — if you live enough time — almost inevitable. So, too, are some other changes in eye color. For example, infants’ eye color can alter and alter once again up until they depend on three years of ages. Other modifications in eye color must be had a look at by your eye doctor. For instance:

  • If the “whites” of your eyes have turned yellow, there is much possibility that you have jaundice, a condition brought on by a buildup of a substance called bilirubin.
  • Another factor for yellowish eyes may be a subconjunctival hemorrhage — a condition that could be a symptom of diabetes, hypertension, or even leukemia.
  • Red spots on your eyes might be a symptom of sickle cell disease or a benign or cancerous tumor.
  • Pinkeye is an extremely contagious infection of the eye that can cause itching and pain.
  • A whitish movie over the eye is typically the indication of cataracts. This disorder can be easily treated, however, left unattended can cause loss of sight.

It is likewise physically possible to completely change the color of your eyes. This can be achieved through surgery or corneal transplant. As neither of these dangerous treatments is clinically needed, nevertheless, the best choice is to enjoy your natural eye color.

Reyus Mammadli/ author of the article

I’m the author and editor of this health blog, active since 2008. With a background in medical and biotechnical devices, I focus on making health and self-care topics—especially in ophthalmology—clear and accessible.

Although I’m not a licensed physician, I’ve spent over 15 years working with medical literature and guidelines, with particular attention to trusted ophthalmic sources such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute, and PubMed. I also follow the latest updates in diagnostics and treatment technologies.

My aim is to help readers better understand eye diseases, tests, and treatment options—so they can feel more confident when consulting a doctor.

Note: This blog does not provide medical diagnoses or treatments. It offers clear, reliable health information to support informed conversations with healthcare professionals.