What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• AH (Asteroid Hyalosis)

What is Asteroid Hyalosis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Asteroid Hyalosis (AH) is an eye abnormality characterized by calcium and lipid buildup in the vitreous humor causing it to float around as yellow-white particles. The vitreous humor is a clear and colorless fluid that fills the space between the lens and the retina in the eye
• These benign particles typically refract light and give the appearance of “asteroids/stars suspended in the night sky”. Asteroid Hyalosis is a degenerative condition; but it does not usually lead to visual defects when in isolation. However, in the presence of other eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, vision may be affected

Who gets Asteroid Hyalosis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Asteroid Hyalosis is reportedly a common condition among the adult population (typically 45 years and older). An incidence rate of 1 in 50 to 1 in 125 is noted
• Both males and females may be affected; some studies report a male predominance (7:3 male-female ratio)
• Worldwide, individuals of all races and ethnicity are prone to developing the condition. However, a higher incidence is noted among African Americans

What are the Risk Factors for Asteroid Hyalosis? (Predisposing Factors)

Some of the risk factors believed to cause Asteroid Hyalosis include:

• Advancing age - the incidence of the condition is known to increase with age
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Heart disease
• An association with family history of the condition is not observed

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Asteroid Hyalosis? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of development of Asteroid Hyalosis is not well-established. It causes vitreous deposits of fats, phospholipids, and calcium, which are suspended in the clear fluid
• Even though some medical experts suggest a positive correlation between Asteroid Hyalosis and several systemic conditions and factors, such as diabetes, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, increased blood pressure, and heart disease; the exact cause-effect relationship between them is not confirmed yet and presently remains controversial

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Asteroid Hyalosis?

In general, Asteroid Hyalosis (AH) does not present any signs and symptoms since light scattering is not significant to affect vision. It is usually diagnosed during eye exams that are undertaken for other conditions or as part of regular eye screening.

• In about 90% of the cases, AH is unilateral (involving a single eye)
• It is not associated with eye inflammation
• If the suspended particles (also termed asteroid bodies) are close to the macula, vision loss or impaired vision may occur
• Also, a presence of these opaque floating bodies may affect retinal testing, and clear visualization of the retina

How is Asteroid Hyalosis Diagnosed?

Asteroid Hyalosis may be diagnosed by the following observations and tests:

• Physical examination and medical history evaluation
• Assessment of the presenting signs and symptoms
• General eye exam
• Lipid profile tests
• Fundoscopic (ophthalmoscopic) examination by an eye specialist, who examines the back part of the eye (or the fundus)
• Visual acuity test using a special and standardized test chart (Snellen chart)
• Slit-lamp examination: This helps in diagnosing the condition in most cases
• Gonioscopy, a painless eye exam using special devices
• Visual evoked potential (VEP) test
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of eye

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Asteroid Hyalosis?

No significant complications of Asteroid Hyalosis (AH) are typically noted.

• However, in the presence of other eye conditions, AH may present vision disturbances
• Progression of the condition may lead to vitreous occlusion and decreased vision
• Occasionally, individuals with intraocular lens implants may show calcifications on the surface of the lens leading to vision impairment

How is Asteroid Hyalosis Treated?

Generally, no treatment measures are required for Asteroid Hyalosis since the condition is typically asymptomatic and does not significantly affect eye health.

• A wait and watch approach may be considered by the healthcare provider
• In case of complications, a surgical removal of the vitreous (vitrectomy) may be recommended

How can Asteroid Hyalosis be Prevented?

Presently, it is difficult to prevent Asteroid Hyalosis. However, in some cases, the following measures may be considered:

• Undertake early and adequate treatment of any health issues that may potentially affect the eye
• Smoking cessation
• Manage stress and maintain a healthy life
• Periodic eye checkup is recommended for elderly adults

What is the Prognosis of Asteroid Hyalosis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis in Asteroid Hyalosis is usually good since vision is not generally affected, and no treatment is necessary.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Asteroid Hyalosis:

Please visit our Eye & Vision Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/vision-center/