Which term describes leukocytes and proteins floating in the aqueous humor?

• A. Keratic Precipitates
• B. Hypopyon
• C. Aqueous Protein
• D. Cells and Flare

Answer: (D)

In the front part of the eye, inflammation shows up as two main findings in the eye’s fluid: leukocytes that appear as cells and a hazy, milky look from protein, described as flare. When both are present in the aqueous humor, clinicians say there are “cells and flare.” This term specifically communicates that there are inflammatory cells swimming in the aqueous and that protein is causing turbidity. It’s different from keratic precipitates, which are deposits on the corneal endothelium, or hypopyon, which is a visible layer of pus in the anterior chamber. The idea is that cells = white blood cells, and flare = protein-related haziness in the fluid.