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Asteroid hyalosis in a population: the Beaver Dam eye study
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin 53705-2397, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 5, 2001
Summary
Asteroid hyalosis is infrequent in the general population, affecting 1.2% of individuals aged 43-86. Increased prevalence is linked to older age, male sex, higher body mass, and alcohol consumption.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asteroid hyalosis is characterized by the presence of yellowish-white opacities in the vitreous humor.
- Previous studies have suggested associations with diabetes and refractive errors, but data from population-based cohorts are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of asteroid hyalosis in a population-based cohort.
- To identify potential correlates of asteroid hyalosis.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 4,926 individuals aged 43-86 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, was examined.
- Fundus photographs were used to determine the presence and characteristics of asteroid hyalosis.
- Statistical analyses, including multivariable logistic regression, were employed to identify correlates.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of asteroid hyalosis was 1.2% in the study population.
- Prevalence increased significantly with age and was higher in men than women.
- Higher body mass index and greater alcohol consumption were significantly associated with asteroid hyalosis after adjusting for age and sex.
Conclusions:
- Asteroid hyalosis is infrequent in this population, contrary to some previous reports.
- The study did not find significant associations with diabetes or refractive error.
- New potential correlates, including body mass and alcohol consumption, warrant further investigation.