The Mayo Clinic explains: "Arcus senilis is a grey, or white, arc visible above and below the outer part of the cornea — the clear, dome-like covering over the front of the eye.

"Eventually, the arc could develop into a whole ring across the colored portion (iris) of your eye."

Fat deposits deep in the edge of the cornea leads to arcus senilis, but it is a fairly common feature of older age.

Anybody presenting signs of xanthelasma or arcus senilis might have an inherited cholesterol condition.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) touched on familial hypercholesterolaemia, which affects around 250,000 Britons.

BHF Chair of Cardiovascular Genetics at University College London, Professor Steve Humphries spoke on the subject matter.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia is a genetic situation that causes excessive ldl cholesterol from delivery.

"Studies have proven that the chance of growing coronary heart disease is as much as 13 instances increased in individuals with untreated familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH)," said Professor Humphries.

There are three "traditional indicators" of FH, two of which have been touched upon.

1. Yellow cholesterol build-up around the eyelids
2. Pale ring around the iris of the eye
3. Cholesterol deposits around the knuckles or Achilles tendon.

If a close male relative has had a heart attack before the age of 55, or before 65 in a female relative, then you can ask your doctor to test your cholesterol levels.

The BHF says: "It is vital to establish FH as early in life as potential, with the intention to get therapy and assist."