Re: Asteroid Hyalosis

Posted By HFHS M.D.-JL on February 14, 1999 at 22:20:49:

In Reply to: Asteroid Hyalosis posted by Joan on February 14, 1999 at 21:27:05:






Aprox. 1 yr. ago, following tests, my Optometrist informed me that I have Asteroid Hyalosis. This causes me to experience extreme visual disruption in the form of what seems to be hundreds of black spots in my left eye. I have been told that there is nothing that can be done and that these are not floaters. Are you aware of any new treatments for this disease? Also do you know if it progresses or if it can cause blindness? Is it possible that I will get it in my other eye? Thank you for any information you can give me.  Joan    





Asteroid hyalosis causes floaters but not the type of floaters that we typically see.  Most patients do not even notice these.  Technically they are composed of calcium soaps.  This is something that you are essentially born with and it does not spread to the other eye.  It does not cause blindness or visual problems unless you notice the floaters.  There is no treatment except in the rare case that the floaters are disabling to ones vision and a procedure called a vitrectomy can be performed which removes the viteous in the eye and replaces it with a salt water.  You would need to see a retina specialist to see if you would be a candidate. Again, I would not recommend this because there are risks with the procedure and the condition is benign.
Good luck.
This information was provided for medical educational purposes only.
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-JL
*Keywords:  asteroid hyalosis