Corneal arch is a ring around the cornea caused by lipids, which can be normal in elderly people but a sign of high lipid levels in younger adults. Treatment includes medication, dietary changes, and exercise to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. High lipids can lead to heart disease, strokes, and ischemic strokes.
Corneal arch is an eye condition characterized by the formation of a ring around the edge of the cornea in both eyes. It usually develops symmetrically and may begin as an incomplete ring. Depending on the patient’s age at onset, this condition may be a cause for concern or a normal part of the aging process. It is usually diagnosed and evaluated by an ophthalmologist, a doctor who focuses on providing eye care.
The rings are formed by lipids that have infiltrated the cornea and can be yellow, white, or gray in color. People are often born with those that fade over time. In the elderly, generally people over the age of 60, they are very common. Initially, the center of the cornea will be clear and vision will be relatively clear. Over time, this can change, with vision becoming cloudy. In both of these cases, the arc is considered normal.
In younger adults, this ring is usually a sign that something is wrong with the patient’s lipid metabolism. A blood test will show that the lipid levels are unusually high and the patient may have atherosclerosis or other diseases. In these patients, it is known as corneal arcus juvenilis and is a cause for concern because it does not form naturally in people of this age.
If a patient develops a corneal arch, the ophthalmologist may refer the patient to another specialist to evaluate lipid levels. If they are high, the patient may be given medications to help reduce them, and is also usually encouraged to make dietary changes and engage in more exercise. These should help reduce lipid levels naturally as well as reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Because people with high blood lipid levels are at higher risk for heart disease and other problems, it’s crucial to reduce them and keep them at a healthy level.
In patients who don’t receive treatment for high lipids, there is a risk of heart attack and death from the slow narrowing of the arteries. Patients can also develop strokes caused by narrowing of the arteries or by blood clots, both of which can restrict blood supply to the brain. An ischemic stroke can occur in which brain tissue is damaged because it does not get enough oxygen.
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