Which of the following is NOT a physical exam finding of acute glaucoma?

Acute glaucoma is characterized by several specific physical exam findings that occur due to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. One of the hallmark features of this condition is a clear distinction in the appearance of the cornea.

In acute glaucoma, the cornea often appears steamy or hazy because of the high levels of intraocular pressure affecting its clarity. Circumlimbal injection, which refers to redness at the junction between the cornea and sclera, is also common as it indicates irritation and vascular injection due to increased pressure. The pupil typically remains fixed and mid-dilated as a result of the increased IOP affecting the eye's ability to respond to light and accommodate.

In contrast, a clear cornea indicates that there is no significant pressure or irritation affecting the eyes, which is incompatible with a diagnosis of acute glaucoma. Therefore, the presence of a clear cornea underscores that the patient is not experiencing the symptoms associated with acute glaucoma. Such a finding points away from acute glaucoma and illustrates why it is the correct choice as the option that does not fit with the other described findings.