Peripheral clouding of the cornea due to lipid near the limbus is referred to as which condition?

Prepare for the VisionFirst CEBT Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice quizzes, each offering hints and detailed explanations for optimized learning. Excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Peripheral clouding of the cornea due to lipid near the limbus is referred to as which condition?

Arcus refers to a peripheral ring of lipid deposits in the cornea near the limbus, producing a grayish-white clouding around the edge of the cornea. This lipid arc is most visible at the periphery while the central cornea remains clear. In older adults it’s often called arcus senilis and is usually a benign aging change; in younger people, its presence can signal hyperlipidemia and may prompt lipid evaluation. The other conditions don’t fit: keratoconus involves thinning and cone-shaped distortion of the cornea, pterygium is a growth of conjunctival tissue onto the cornea, and corneal edema produces generalized haziness from fluid buildup rather than a lipid ring.

Arcus refers to a peripheral ring of lipid deposits in the cornea near the limbus, producing a grayish-white clouding around the edge of the cornea. This lipid arc is most visible at the periphery while the central cornea remains clear. In older adults it’s often called arcus senilis and is usually a benign aging change; in younger people, its presence can signal hyperlipidemia and may prompt lipid evaluation. The other conditions don’t fit: keratoconus involves thinning and cone-shaped distortion of the cornea, pterygium is a growth of conjunctival tissue onto the cornea, and corneal edema produces generalized haziness from fluid buildup rather than a lipid ring.

More practice questions