Asteroid Hyalosis
Tiny calcium particles in the vitreous gel, usually harmless
Quick Facts
- Type: Eye (vitreous) condition
- Nature: Usually benign
- Finding: Often discovered on a routine eye exam
- Affects: Often one eye, more common with age
Overview
Asteroid hyalosis is a common, usually harmless condition in which numerous tiny particles made largely of calcium and fat form within the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the inside of the eye. Under examination, these particles look like small bright specks suspended in the gel, sometimes compared to stars in the night sky, which is how the condition gets its name.
In most people, asteroid hyalosis causes no symptoms and is discovered by chance during a routine eye examination. It usually affects one eye and becomes more common with age. While the particles are striking to an examiner, they rarely interfere with vision, and treatment is seldom needed.
Symptoms
Most people with asteroid hyalosis have no symptoms at all. The condition is typically painless and does not usually affect vision. When effects do occur, they may include:
- Occasional floaters or specks in the vision, though often the particles do not move enough to be noticed
- Rarely, mild blurring if the particles are very dense
Interestingly, even when the eye is full of these particles, vision is often surprisingly clear. New floaters that come on suddenly, flashes of light, or a shadow over the vision are not typical of asteroid hyalosis and should be checked, as they can signal other retinal problems.
Causes
The exact reason asteroid bodies form in the vitreous is not fully understood. They consist mainly of calcium and lipid (fat) compounds that gradually accumulate in the gel.
What is known about the condition:
- It becomes more common with increasing age.
- It is not caused by anything a person did and is not contagious.
- It has sometimes been associated with conditions such as diabetes, though many people with asteroid hyalosis have no such condition.
Risk Factors
- Older age
- Possible association with diabetes in some people
- Male sex, which appears slightly more often affected in some reports
For many people, no specific risk factor is identified, and the finding is incidental.
Diagnosis
Asteroid hyalosis is usually diagnosed during an eye examination, often when the eye is being checked for another reason:
- Dilated eye exam: The examiner sees the characteristic bright particles suspended in the vitreous.
- Examination of the retina: Because the particles can partly obscure the view, the doctor checks that the retina behind them is healthy.
- Ultrasound: Occasionally used to view the retina if the particles block a clear view.
Treatment & Management
Because asteroid hyalosis is usually benign and rarely affects vision, treatment is seldom needed. Management focuses on monitoring and on ensuring the rest of the eye is healthy.
- Observation: In most cases, no treatment is required and the condition is simply monitored.
- Vitrectomy: Surgery to remove the vitreous is rarely considered, only if the particles are dense enough to interfere significantly with vision or with examining or treating another eye condition.
- Managing related conditions: Keeping conditions such as diabetes under control as part of overall eye health.
For most people, reassurance and routine eye care are all that is needed.
When to See a Doctor
Keep up with routine eye examinations so any eye finding can be monitored. Contact an eye specialist promptly if you notice:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light
- A shadow or curtain across part of your vision
- A sudden change or loss in vision
These symptoms are not typical of asteroid hyalosis and can indicate another problem, such as a retinal tear or detachment, that needs prompt evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is asteroid hyalosis dangerous?
Asteroid hyalosis is usually harmless and rarely affects vision. It is often found by chance during a routine eye exam. The main concern is making sure the retina behind the particles is healthy, which the eye doctor will check.
Will asteroid hyalosis make me go blind?
No. Asteroid hyalosis does not typically cause vision loss. Even eyes filled with the particles usually see well. Treatment is rarely needed, and the condition is generally just monitored.
What causes the particles to form?
The particles are made mainly of calcium and fat, but the exact reason they form is not fully understood. The condition becomes more common with age and has sometimes been associated with diabetes, although many affected people have no such condition.
Do I need treatment for asteroid hyalosis?
Usually not. Most people need only observation and routine eye care. Surgery to remove the vitreous is rarely considered and only if the particles significantly interfere with vision or with examining or treating another eye condition.
When should I see an eye doctor?
See an eye doctor promptly if you notice a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, a shadow across your vision, or any sudden vision change. These are not typical of asteroid hyalosis and could indicate another eye problem.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Asteroid Hyalosis.
- National Eye Institute (NEI). Floaters.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Floaters.
- Mayo Clinic. Eye floaters.