Which systemic condition is commonly associated with the finding of arcus senilis in younger individuals?

Arcus senilis is characterized by a gray or white arc that appears around the cornea, typically as a result of lipid deposits. While it is most often seen in older adults as a normal part of aging, its presence in younger individuals can indicate underlying systemic conditions, particularly hyperlipidemia.

Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream, which can lead to increased deposition of these lipids in various tissues, including the cornea. When this occurs at a younger age, it serves as a clinical marker of abnormally high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which may warrant further investigation into a patient’s lipid profile and overall cardiovascular risk.

In contrast, while diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and thyroid dysfunction are significant systemic conditions that can affect various aspects of health, they are not as directly associated with the formation of arcus senilis in younger populations. Instead, the clear link between hyperlipidemia and this specific ocular finding makes it the most relevant choice in this context.