asteroid hyalosis

Etiology

• idiopathic
• risk factors
  • diabetes mellitus
  • hypertension
  • hypercholesterolemia

Pathology

• asteroid bodies are composed of hydroxyapatite associated with lipids suspended within & attached to the hyaluronic acid framework of the vitreous body

Clinical manifestations

• multiple small white opacities in the vitreous humor
• refractile, often mobile, 'stars in the night sky'
• generally unilateral
• may obscure view of retina during ophthalmoscopy
• generally does not severely affect vision

* image & video

Differential diagnosis

• vitreous floaters

Management

• treatment generally not necessary
• vitrectomy

More general terms

• eye disease (ophthalmopathy)