- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck is a native of Germany, where he received his medical education at the Westfalian Wilhelm University in Munster and became board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
He also received a Ph.D. in biophysics and physiology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Behrenbeck joined the Mayo Clinic staff in 1990 and is currently an associate professor at Mayo Medical School and an academic faculty member at the Westfalian Wilhelm University. He is chair of the Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Behrenbeck is a noninvasive cardiologist, specializing in cardiovascular (CV) imaging modalities (echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and CT), coronary artery disease and prevention of coronary artery disease. His research interests are the application of imaging technology to early recognition and treatment of atherosclerosis. He is passionate about patients' involvement in their health issues.
"The Internet and patient education present ideal synergies in the ever-growing field of knowledge in cardiology," he said.
Definition (1)
- VLDL cholesterol: What is it?
Symptoms (1)
- Arcus senilis: A sign of high cholesterol?
Tests and diagnosis (3)
- Cholesterol level: Can it be too low?
- Cholesterol test kits: Are they accurate?
- Cholesterol ratio: Is it important?
Treatments and drugs (8)
- LDL apheresis: Can it lower LDL cholesterol?
- High cholesterol in children: How is it treated?
- Niacin overdose: What are the symptoms?
- see all in Treatments and drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies (4)
- Pomegranate juice: Can it lower cholesterol?
- Kefir: Can it lower my cholesterol?
- Eggs: Are they good or bad for my cholesterol?
- see all in Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine (2)
- Noni juice: Can it reduce cholesterol?
- High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?
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Question
Arcus senilis: A sign of high cholesterol?
What's the relationship between arcus senilis and high cholesterol?
Answer
from Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Arcus senilis and the eye findings associated with high cholesterol are distinctly different.
Arcus senilis, also known as arcus cornealis, is a gray or white arc visible above and below the outer part of the cornea — the clear, dome-like covering over the front of the eye. Eventually, the arc may evolve into a complete ring around the cornea. Arcus senilis is common in older adults. It's caused by fat (lipid) deposits deep in the edge of the cornea. It isn't necessarily related to high cholesterol, however. Arcus senilis doesn't affect vision, nor does it require treatment.
High cholesterol is more likely associated with a similar gray or white arc visible around the entire cornea (circumferential arcus) in younger adults. Even then, however, eye findings associated with high cholesterol are uncommon — typically affecting only people who have severe cases of high cholesterol and high triglycerides passed down through families (familial hyperlipidemia). Treatment is generally aimed at controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
The average person who has high cholesterol doesn't develop an arc of any type. If you're concerned about eye health and high cholesterol, consult your doctor for an evaluation.
Next questionCholesterol level: Can it be too low?
- Zech LA, et al. Correlating corneal arcus with atherosclerosis in familial hypercholesterolemia. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2008;7:7.
- Rumelt S, et al. Double arcus cornealis. Eye. 2004;18:1020.
- Fernandez A, et al. Corneal arcus as coronary artery disease risk factor. Atherosclerosis. 2007;193:235.
- Chua BE, et al. Corneal arcus and hyperlipidemia: Findings from an older population. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2004;137:363.
- Gau GT (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 19, 2008.
