What is the dark ring around the iris called?
Madison Flores
Published May 19, 2026
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Correspondingly, is it normal to have a dark ring around your iris?
Dark circles or rings around the iris are known as limbal rings. They appear as a dark border separating the iris from the whites of the eye. Considered to be a desirable fashion, they highlight the iris colour and make the whites look whiter, adding drama to the eye's appearance.
Likewise, do limbal rings fade? As you age, the dark limbal ring around your iris may naturally fade. However, researchers from the current study warn this fading may also be related to elevated phospholipid levels. The medical term for when the ring becomes significantly lighter, and potentially even gray, is arcus senilis.
Correspondingly, does everyone have limbal rings?
Most of us are born with limbal rings but they tend to thin out with age; the younger you are, the more prominent your limbal rings are likely to be. Some people naturally have more defined rings that last well into adulthood while for others, the rings are barely perceptible.
Why do I have a ring around my iris?
Eventually, the arc may become a complete ring around the colored portion (iris) of your eye. Arcus senilis is common in older adults. It's caused by fat (lipid) deposits deep in the edge of the cornea. Arcus senilis doesn't affect vision, nor does it require treatment.
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