Corneal arcus

System: General & Eye–Ear Signs · All general & eye–ear signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

A pale greyish-white ring around the edge of the cornea, separated from the rim by a thin clear zone.

What a positive finding suggests

Common and usually benign with age; in people under about 45 it is associated with inherited lipid disorders such as familial hypercholesterolaemia.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.