(P26-003-24) Presence of Corneal Arcus as a Non-invasive Method of Screening for Dyslipidemia and Its Educational Role in Lifestyle Interventions

Objectives: Dyslipidemia becoming a worldwide health problem, the secondary prevention in the form of early detection and risk modifications via dietary and lifestyle interventions is thus imperative. A very simple, cost-effective, and totally non-invasive method of screening was found to be the iris analysis for the presence of corneal arcus (which are depositions in the peripheral cornea, considered a part of the normal aging process and often seen only in elderly). Its early identification - nowadays even in younger ages - complemented with implementing of the preventive measures as earlier possible, makes this method very attractive to be used as well as an interesting and very efficient educational tool, in all age groups.

Methods: A number of 21 males and 37 females, of which 82.76% Asians, and 17.24% Caucasians, with ages 7-75, participated in this study. Demographic data along with data on dietary patterns was collected and presence of familial history of systemic risk diseases like diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease was noted. The images were taken by using a QuikVue dedicated visual science device attached to a smartphone. The quality of the corneal arcus, if present, was rated as S-starting, M-mild, or H-high - as well as, unilateral or bilateral.

Results: The common natural signs of aging were observed in the age group >50 in 60% of M and 75% of F ( mild in 25% F, high in 75% F with average BMI=23.65 ) , and 60%M ( average BMI= 20.11 ) . It is however concerning the frequency of starting signs in the group age 30-40 and also in teens ( in which, 54.5% M , average BMI=30.09  and 57%F average BMI=24  display these - even more alarming, being  known the potentially high risk the childhood obesity has, and cases in which a familial tendency for cardiovascular risk was recognized ). In cases where serum lipid profile was performed, the results correlate with the quality of the corneal arcus ( average 80mg/dL for LDL and 160mg/dL for TG ).

Conclusions: Though further study, in more depth, and on a larger number of individuals would be necessary for validation and better accuracy, the present exercise proved however its benefic and very attractive role in teaching health, especially in the younger participants, giving us a valuable platform for experimenting various educational tools that can be used to promote dietary and lifestyle interventions helping communities.

Funding Sources: N/A