The Doc Replies

Our expert answers your medical questions

I’ve developed a white ring around the border of my eye. What could this be?

It sounds from your description like it could be something called arcus senilis.

This is a grey or white arc round the margin of your cornea – around the coloured iris area – which can become a full ring.

This condition is common in older people, but it happens in younger folk, too. In the older population, it seems to be that, over the years, gradual deposits of cholesterol make their way into the cornea. You might think this indicates a high cholesterol level. Studies in Denmark have shown this isn’t the case, however. That’s only among the older population, though.

If you’re young – below 40 or so – I’d recommend a trip to the doctor. Developing this ring around the eye could indeed indicate you have high cholesterol which is definitely worth keeping an eye on – pardon the pun – as it’s a risk factor for heart disease.

Generally, though, people with this condition won’t experience any other symptoms. I had polio in the 1950s and wonder if I could ever become infectious again?

The virus infection of polio won’t come back because you now have immunity.

However you could be at risk of post-polio syndrome, where the nervous system and affected limb become weak again.

This is a complex and difficult diagnosis to make and your GP or neurologist could advise you if this is possible.

My son is a keen bodybuilder. I’m worried the diet is bad for him in the long term, though. Bodybuilding might be healthy – but I’m not convinced – and the diet associated with it can increase cholesterol and store up heart problems for the years ahead. Could cigarette smoke cause conjunctivitis?

Cigarette smoke causes many harmful things, including irritation of the eyes.

That’s because soot and dirt from the cigarettes stick in the eye.