Asteroides hyalosis. A case report.

BACKGROUND

Asteroides hyalosis is a degenerative condition of the vitreous of unknown etiology in which calcium soaps accumulate on vitreous fibrils in the eye. Cytologically, the condition needs to be differentiated from foreign body reactions, synchysis scintillans and proteinaceous coagula.

CASE: A 69-year-old male presented with a history of diminished vision and floaters in the right eye. Examination of the vitreous fluid revealed roughly spherical structures. When examined with polarized light, these structures showed central, birefringent, crystalline particles.

CONCLUSION

The cytologic appearance of asteroides hyalosis is characterized by round asteroid bodies ranging in size from 30 to 80 microns in diameter. When polarized, these structures show central, birefringent, crystalline particles. Special stains may be helpful in the diagnosis.