Optical Coherence Tomography in Asteroid Hyalosis

Abstract

 

Purpose:

 

To demonstrate the clinical utility of OCT (optical coherence tomography) in diagnosing macular structural abnormalities in patients with asteroid hyalosis.

 

Methods:

 

Retrospective case series.

 

Results:

 

Seven eyes from seven patients underwent OCT testing (Stratus OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, California) due to inadequate funduscopic visualization secondary to asteroid hyalosis. Fluorescein angiography and B–scan ultrasonography were conducted in two patients but failed to provide diagnostic clarity. OCT provided definitive anatomic diagnoses that included macular epiretinal membrane, macular hole, traction retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema, and drusen. Based on OCT–assisted diagnoses, three patients elected to undergo surgical intervention.

 

Conclusions:

 

OCT can be critical to diagnose macular conditions when retinal visualization is limited by asteroid hyalosis. OCT employs an 830nm wavelength light beam that is less susceptible to distortion from asteroid bodies and other media opacities.  

 

Keywords: imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • retina