What Is Asteroid Hyalosis?
Asteroid hyalosis is a condition where there are less than 10% of your body’s blood vessels that contain platelets. The term “hyaline” means having enough or abundant amounts of these cells. When you have a low number of platelets, it causes an increase in bleeding from cuts and wounds. This condition may cause you to bleed profusely when injured.
The most common symptoms include:
Wounds that do not heal properly due to lack of clotting factors (e.g., cuts)
Bleeding from minor injuries like scratches, bruises, and bites; however, it may occur after minor trauma such as falls or even during childbirth. [1] [2]
A low number of platelets is also associated with other conditions including heart disease and certain types of cancer.
How Does Asteroid Hyalosis Occur?
It is believed that asteroids impact the Earth causing damage to our planet. These impacts may cause a decrease in the amount of platelets present in the blood stream. This leads to an increased risk of bleeding from wounds. [3] [4]
When does this happen? What causes it? How long will it last? Are there any treatments available for this condition?
To answer these questions please read on.
The following section provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about asteroid hyalosis.
How is it diagnosed?
Some cases of low platelets can be predicted by symptoms and a medical history review; however, in most cases, your physician will order a laboratory test to measure the number of platelets in your blood. [5]
Are there any complications?
Asteroid hyalosis has been linked to an increased risk of bleeding. It may also be associated with other conditions such as heart disease or cancer. You should seek medical treatment immediately if you experience symptoms of conditions that are caused by asteroid hyalosis. In particular, you should have a complete medical history and physical examination including questions about your risk factors. A doctor should also perform a thorough physical examination to look for signs of disease. A biopsy may also be done. [5]
Asteroid hyalosis has no known complications at this time.
What is the long-term outlook?
At this time, the long-term outlook for people with asteroid hyalosis is unknown.
How is it treated?
There is currently no known treatment for asteroid hyalosis; however, it may be possible to provide treatments in the future as a result of ongoing scientific research. For now, the best way to treat this condition is to prevent excessive bleeding with proper wound care and to treat the underlying condition if one is present. You should also report any signs or symptoms of disease immediately to your doctor so that appropriate treatment can be provided.
As mentioned above, this condition has no known cure; however, there are a number of things you can do to live a healthy lifestyle and manage your condition.
How does asteroid hyalosis progress?
Asteroid hyalosis has no specific course of progression.
Does it affect everyone the same way?
No, asteroid hyalosis affects individuals in different ways.
What should I do if I have concerns about asteroid hyalosis?
You may have concerns about how your condition may impact your ability to work or engage in other activities. You may also have concerns about how your condition may affect your quality of life.
Sources & references used in this article:
Prevalence and association of asteroid hyalosis with systemic diseases by RL Bergren, GC Brown, JS Duker – American journal of ophthalmology, 1991 – Elsevier
Asteroid hyalosis in a population: the Beaver Dam eye study by SE Moss, R Klein, BEK Klein – American journal of ophthalmology, 2001 – Elsevier
Asteroid hyalosis: Biomicroscopy, ultrastructure, and composition by HW Topilow, KR Kenyon, M Takahashi… – Archives of …, 1982 – jamanetwork.com
Vitrectomy in asteroid hyalosis. by RM Feist, RE Morris, CD Witherspoon… – Retina (Philadelphia …, 1990 – europepmc.org
Asteroid hyalosis by Z Yazar, S Hanioglu, G Karakoc… – European journal of …, 2001 – journals.sagepub.com
