star-shaped opacities in the vitreous

Small calcium particles that form in the vitreous and may interfere with vision. More common in the elderly.

Benign condition in which flecks of calcium-rich fats become suspended in the eye's vitreous. The exact cause is unknown, but may be due to aging collagen in the vitreous or decomposition of hyaluronic acid in the vitreous. Asteroid hyalosis typically is without symptoms, but some people experience blurred vision or floaters.

Asteroid hyalosis is a degenerative condition of the eye involving small white opacities in the vitreous humor. Clinically, these opacities are quite refractile, giving the appearance of stars (or asteroids) shining in the night sky -- except that ocular asteroids are often quite mobile. The opacities are should be distinguished from the more common typical vitreous floaters, which are usually fibrillar or cellular condensates.