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Last updated: September 15, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Light Crest in Eye

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Arcus senilis: A common condition characterized by a white, grey, or blue opaque ring in the corneal margin (peripheral cornea) due to lipid deposition. It is often associated with aging and is usually benign.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Pinguecula: A yellowish patch or elevation on the conjunctiva, adjacent to the cornea, often related to UV exposure and aging. It can sometimes appear as a light crest.
    • Pterygium: A growth of the conjunctiva or mucous membrane that covers the white part of your eye over the cornea, which is the clear tissue on the front of your eye. It can appear as a light-colored crest.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Corneal ulcer: An open sore on the cornea, which can be caused by infection, injury, or lack of tears. It requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications, including vision loss.
    • Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera (the white part of the eye), which can be very painful and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Terrien's marginal degeneration: A rare, idiopathic, and progressive condition affecting the peripheral cornea, characterized by a marginal crescentic area of thinning.
    • Limbal dermoid: A rare congenital tumor that appears as a small, white or yellowish lump on the limbus (the border of the cornea and the sclera).

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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