Arcus senilis and mortality in a population with diabetes.

Abstract

To estimate the prevalence of arcus senilis and its association with mortality in a diabetic population. A cohort of persons with younger (n = 996) and older onset (n = 1,370) diabetes was examined. Mortality information was obtained from death certificates. 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. Arcus senilis provides no more information about mortality risk than age of the person.