What does corneal arcus typically indicate about a patient's lipid levels?

Corneal arcus, characterized by a gray or white arc that appears in the cornea, typically indicates an increase in cholesterol levels, especially when seen in younger individuals. In older adults, it can be a common finding and might not necessarily indicate abnormal lipid levels. However, its presence, particularly in younger patients, can serve as a clinical marker for increased cardiovascular risk due to associated dyslipidemia.

The development of corneal arcus suggests that the individual may have elevated lipoprotein levels, which contribute to the risk of atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular events. While it is important to consider other clinical factors and perform lipid evaluations, corneal arcus can often be linked with significant lipid abnormalities that highlight the need for further assessment of cardiovascular health.