Definition:
Asteroid hyalosis is a degenerative eye condition that involves a small, white opacity in the vitreous humor occurring in humans, chinchillas and dogs.
Diagnosis:
Vitrectomy is also used in diagnosis.
Treatment:
Treatment of asteroid hyalosis is usually not necessary, but vitrectomy can be used for therapy.
Symptoms and Signs:
The opacity that occurs is usually retractile, making the condition seem as if the affected person or animal has stars or asteroids shining in the dark sky.
Asteroid hyalosis typically does not harm vision, but the floating opacities could annoy the victim and interfere with visualization.
Causes:
The cause of asteroid hyalosis is still unknown. However, it has been linked with diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and tumors in the ciliary body. Asteroid hyalosis in dogs is known to be age-related.
