Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of arcus senilis and its association with mortality in a diabetic population.
Methods: A cohort of persons with younger (n = 996) and older onset (n = 1,370) diabetes was examined. Mortality information was obtained from death certificates.
Results: Prevalence of arcus senilis increased with age and was higher in men than in women. In the younger onset group, it was also associated with a history of cardiovascular disease. As a risk factor for mortality after controlling for age and sex, arcus senilis was not associated with death from all causes, ischemic heart disease, or stroke.
Conclusion: Arcus senilis provides no more information about mortality risk than age of the person.