Examining the fundus with dense asteroid hyalosis, as in this diabetic patient, can be extremely challenging.
Fluorescein angiography (FA) and OCT are great modalities since they’re both able to visualize the retina when the clinical exam can’t.
FA was critical in diagnosing proliferative retinopathy with peripheral ischemia in this patient.
Learning Point:
Asteroid hyalosis is caused by calcium-lipid complexes suspended throughout the vitreous. These white opacities resemble stars on a night sky – hence the name.
