Xanthelasmata Signals Excess Risks for Ischemic Vascular Disease and Death

Both xanthelasmata (yellow plaques on the upper and low eyelids) and arcus senilis corneae (gray-yellow opacity near the periphery of the cornea; also known as arcus senilis) are rich in lipids. In this prospective population-based cohort study, Danish investigators determined whether xanthelasmata, arcus corneae, or both predicted risks for ischemic vascular disease and death.

Nearly 13,000 people (age range, 20–93) who were free of ischemic vascular disease at enrollment in 1976 to 1978 were followed until 2009 (average follow-up, 22 years). At baseline, 4% had xanthelasmata, and 25% had arcus corneae. After adjustment for multiple potential confounders, people with xanthelasmata had significantly higher risks for myocardial infarction (od…