Corneal arcus is most strongly associated with increased risk of which condition?

Corneal arcus is most strongly associated with increased risk of which condition?

• A. Hyperlipidemia
• B. Hypertension
• C. Diabetes mellitus
• D. Atherosclerosis

Answer: (A)

Corneal arcus occurs when cholesterol-rich lipids accumulate in the peripheral cornea, so it most directly signals a lipid disorder. Because of this lipid-based origin, it points to hyperlipidemia as the strongest associated condition. In younger patients, this finding is especially important as a clue to possible hyperlipidemia (and thus increased cardiovascular risk), whereas in older individuals arcus can be a benign age-related change. Hypertension and diabetes are not primary drivers of this lipid deposition, and while long-standing lipid abnormalities can lead to atherosclerosis, the corneal finding itself most specifically reflects hyperlipidemia.

Corneal arcus occurs when cholesterol-rich lipids accumulate in the peripheral cornea, so it most directly signals a lipid disorder. Because of this lipid-based origin, it points to hyperlipidemia as the strongest associated condition. In younger patients, this finding is especially important as a clue to possible hyperlipidemia (and thus increased cardiovascular risk), whereas in older individuals arcus can be a benign age-related change. Hypertension and diabetes are not primary drivers of this lipid deposition, and while long-standing lipid abnormalities can lead to atherosclerosis, the corneal finding itself most specifically reflects hyperlipidemia.