Strange Condition Can Turn Human Eye Similar to a Galaxy With Tiny Flecks of Light Bursting Against a Dark Space
Strange Condition Can Turn Human Eye Similar to a Galaxy With Tiny Flecks of Light Bursting Against a Dark Space
(Photo: Pexels/Wojtek Pacześ)

Most photos from the universe are bursting with light and beauty against the dark backdrop of a devoid space, and the same sight can be observed in the human eye due to a particular health condition.

Human Eye Can Sparkle Like a Galaxy

A common ailment can cause someone to appear to have a starry night sky inside their eye, transforming their look into a galaxy. The benign modification does not cause people to see heavenly bodies swirling in their eyes. However, if one stared into one's eyes, one would notice minuscule light flecks popping against a black background.

Asteroid hyalosis (AH) is an age-related illness that nobody fully understands, including why it affects a small percentage of people and what it means for a person's general health. Although there is a lack of research on the disorder and its relationships to other health problems, age appears to be a risk factor. Numerous research estimates indicate that between one and two out of every 100 persons are affected by AH. Dogs also experience it.

The disorder usually develops gradually and rarely results in vision problems (though it can complicate diagnosing other eye conditions). Many are unaware that they even have it. Often, the appearance of the eye to others is the only thing that changes.

As an illustration, a textbook case of AH was discovered in the left eye of a 54-year-old diabetic woman in 2018 during a normal eye exam. She was unaware that it was present.

The accumulation of a substance, commonly calcium, in the eye's vitreous, or gel-like, fluid causes these starry pieces. This fluid comprises most of the eye's structure, located between the lens at the front and the retina at the back.

As people age, the vitreous can gather debris from inflammation, bleeding, and infection. This can result in floaters, which are dark, squiggly patches that can be seen in a person's vision.

It's unknown if AH is associated with any other illnesses. The outcomes of observational research have been inconsistent. Some specialists believe the illness is related to problems with cellular recycling or blood vessel abnormalities because it appears to develop without inflammation.

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Asteroid Hyalosis: Symptoms and Causes

Asteroid hyalosis (AH) is an eye condition that causes microscopic, sparkling yellow flecks or particles to develop inside the eye. The majority of cases are benign and don't require medical attention.

AH rarely manifests any symptoms. Most people don't even realize they have it until a medical professional looks into their eyes and detects the particle reflection. That is most likely to occur during a standard physical examination or an eye checkup with an eye care professional.

When symptoms do appear, they are typically not severe. The majority of people have myodesopsias, or increased numbers of eye floaters, or somewhat cloudy vision.

Experts are unsure of the cause of AH. Often, one may see the glistening reflection of asteroid bodies with just their eyes. AH may also be detected by a medical professional using an ophthalmoscope, a basic hand-held instrument, during a routine examination. These gadgets contain a tiny light below a magnifying window your provider uses to see content.

During a standard eye exam, an ophthalmologist, optometrist, and other eye care specialists can also identify AH.

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