ASTEROID HYALOSIS

Asteroid hyalosis is small white opacities that float in the eye.  They uysually occur in one eye more than the other, as is the case with the picture below.  It occurs in humans, dogs, cats, and horses. Ocular asteroids are different from the more common typical vitreous floaters. The cause of asteroid hyalosis is unknown, but it has been associated with diabetes , high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The asteroid bodies are made up of calcium and phospholipids.  While asteroid hyalosis is quite impressive, surprisingly most patients never notice them in their vision.  They cause no problems, but may interfere with visualization of the retina during eye exams. Treatment of asteroid hyalosis is unnecessary unless better visualization of the retina is needed, such as in cases of diabetic retinopathy.