Asteroides hyalosis. A case report
Loughman, N.T.; Lin, B.P.
Acta Cytologica 39(6): 1244-1246
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5547 PMID: 7484002 Document Number: 449157
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 scintillas 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 mu-m in diameter. When polarized, these structures show central, birefringent, crystalline particles. Special stains may be helpful in the diagnosis.