Synchysis Scintillans

Synchysis scintillans is a rare eye condition where tiny cholesterol crystals float inside the jelly of the eye. The eye jelly is called the vitreous. When this jelly becomes more watery with age or disease, the crystals can move freely. The crystals are golden or yellow-brown and shine like glitter when light hits them. They often settle to the bottom of the eye when you sit or stand still, and they swirl when you move your eyes, like a snow globe.

Synchysis scintillans means tiny, shiny cholesterol crystals floating inside the gel of the eye (the vitreous). These crystals look like golden or silver sparkles that drift and then settle downward when you hold your head still, much like glitter in a snow globe. They usually appear after the eye has been damaged for a long time—for example, after repeated bleeding inside the eye, after bad inflammation, or in an eye that has become very weak. The crystals themselves do not dissolve on their own. Most people notice shimmering floaters and glare. By themselves, the crystals are not an emergency, but they usually signal that the eye has had serious disease in the past, so a complete eye check-up is important.

These crystals are not a disease by themselves. They are a sign that something else has happened in the eye earlier, such as old bleeding in the vitreous or long-standing inflammation. The word “synchysis” means liquefied vitreous. The word “scintillans” means sparkling. Together they describe “sparkling crystals in liquefied vitreous.” Doctors sometimes call it vitreous cholesterolosis. When similar crystals are seen in the front chamber of a very damaged eye, it may be called cholesterolosis bulbi.

Synchysis scintillans is different from asteroid hyalosis. In asteroid hyalosis, the particles are white, made of calcium-lipid (not cholesterol), and they stick to the vitreous scaffold, so they do not sink with gravity. In synchysis scintillans, the crystals are golden, truly free-floating, and they settle to the lowest part of the eye.

How it develops

Inside the eye, red blood cells, cell membranes, and other tissues can break down after bleeding or chronic inflammation. Cholesterol molecules from these tissues can collect and form crystals. With time, the vitreous becomes watery and cannot hold the crystals in place. Gravity pulls them down. When light from the doctor’s lamp or from the environment hits the crystals, they reflect and sparkle. The crystals themselves usually do not cause pain. Vision problems happen if there are many crystals, if the vitreous is very cloudy, or if the underlying eye disease has harmed the retina or optic nerve.

Synchysis scintillans is most often seen in older adults or in eyes that have had serious problems in the past, such as trauma, long-standing bleeding, severe inflammation, or end-stage retinal disease. It can be in one eye or both eyes. It is uncommon in healthy, young eyes.

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Types

1. By location

• Vitreous synchysis scintillans (classic type): Golden, free-floating cholesterol crystals inside the vitreous cavity that move and settle with gravity. This is the most common and classic form.

• Anterior chamber cholesterolosis (cholesterolosis bulbi): Golden crystals floating in the front chamber of a severely damaged eye. This usually means the eye has had long-standing bleeding and very poor function.

2. By cause background

• Hemorrhagic-related type: Follows repeated or long-standing vitreous hemorrhage from many reasons (for example, diabetic eye disease).

• Inflammation-related type: Follows chronic uveitis or infections that damaged intraocular tissues.

• Degenerative/end-stage type: Happens in eyes with long-standing degeneration (for example, chronic retinal detachment or phthisis bulbi).

• Trauma/surgery-related type: Appears after significant eye injury or complicated surgery with vitreous bleeding.

3. By extent

• Mild: Few crystals, only seen on careful exam, minimal symptoms.

• Moderate: Noticeable shower of crystals with movement, intermittent visual disturbance.

• Severe: Dense layering of crystals, frequent glare and floaters, often coexists with major retinal disease.

4. By laterality

• Unilateral: One eye involved, often linked to a past event in that eye.

• Bilateral: Both eyes involved, more often when the cause is a bilateral disease (for example, diabetes) or age-related changes.

5. By mobility pattern

• Freely mobile: Crystals move easily with eye motion and settle quickly when still (classic).

• Layer-forming: Crystals form a shimmering horizontal layer inferiorly when the head is upright, then redistribute with movement.

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Causes

These are common situations or diseases that can lead to cholesterol crystals forming in the vitreous over time.

1. Old vitreous hemorrhage: Blood inside the vitreous breaks down. Cholesterol from cell membranes crystallizes and stays behind after the blood clears.

2. Repeated small vitreous bleeds: Many tiny bleeds over months or years release enough cholesterol to build visible crystals.

3. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: Fragile new vessels in diabetes bleed into the vitreous. Chronic or repeated bleeding sets the stage for crystal formation.

4. Retinal vein occlusion (especially central): A blocked retinal vein causes retinal bleeding and can leak into the vitreous, leading to chronic blood breakdown.

5. Neovascular age-related macular degeneration: Abnormal macular vessels can bleed into the vitreous; old blood products can form crystals later.

6. Sickle cell retinopathy or other hemoglobinopathies: Fragile peripheral neovascularization can bleed repeatedly, leaving cholesterol debris over time.

7. Retinal tears and long-standing retinal detachment: These conditions can cause bleeding and degeneration in the vitreous, which promotes crystal formation.

8. Severe blunt or penetrating eye trauma: Trauma often causes hemorrhage. Months later, the healing eye may develop cholesterol crystals.

9. Complicated eye surgery (e.g., complicated cataract surgery): If vitreous hemorrhage occurs and persists, later cholesterol crystals may appear.

10. Chronic uveitis (long-standing intraocular inflammation): Inflammation damages tissues and can cause bleeding. Degenerating cells release cholesterol that crystallizes.

11. Endophthalmitis (intraocular infection): Severe infection damages tissues and may be followed by hemorrhage and crystal formation after recovery.

12. Ocular ischemic syndrome (carotid disease): Poor blood flow can lead to fragile vessels and bleeding, which later leaves cholesterol residues.

13. Terson syndrome (bleed with sudden intracranial pressure rise): Blood from this event can remain for a long time, and crystals can develop while it breaks down.

14. High myopia with vitreoretinal degeneration: The vitreous is more liquefied and the retina is fragile, so bleeding and degeneration are more likely.

15. Intraocular tumors (e.g., choroidal melanoma, retinoblastoma in affected populations): Tumor-related bleeding can set the stage for cholesterol deposition after breakdown.

16. Hypertensive retinopathy with hemorrhages: Recurrent retinal bleeding can spill into the vitreous and later lead to crystals.

17. Blood dyscrasias (low platelets, leukemia): Abnormal blood conditions increase the risk of intraocular bleeding that can evolve to crystals.

18. Hyper-mature cataract with lens-induced inflammation: In rare, advanced cases, inflammation and bleeding may contribute to later cholesterol deposition.

19. Phthisis bulbi (end-stage shrunken eye): In a severely damaged eye, cholesterol crystals may be seen in the anterior chamber or vitreous as a late change.

20. Aging with advanced vitreous liquefaction plus prior micro-events: Even small, unnoticed bleeds in an older, watery vitreous can gradually produce visible crystals.

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Symptoms

1. Floaters that glitter: You may see tiny shiny specks or “sparkles” that drift when you move your eyes.

2. “Snow-globe” effect: When you look around, the specks swirl and then settle when you keep your eyes still.

3. Glare and light scatter: Bright lights may seem harsh because crystals reflect and scatter light.

4. Blurry vision at times: If many crystals are in the visual path, vision may look hazy, especially right after eye movement.

5. Intermittent shadowy spots: Small moving shadows can appear as crystals pass across your line of sight.

6. Worse vision in bright light: Strong illumination can make the sparkle and glare more noticeable.

7. Better when still: Symptoms can lessen when you fix your gaze and let the crystals settle.

8. Trouble with fine print: Extra scatter in the eye may make small letters harder to see clearly.

9. Night driving discomfort: Headlights and streetlights may create starbursts or haze due to light scatter.

10. Visual distraction: The constant movement of shiny floaters can be annoying even if vision is still fairly good.

11. Sudden change after head movement: Symptoms can briefly worsen after you look up or down because crystals move abruptly.

12. One eye worse than the other: If only one eye is affected, you may notice imbalance when both eyes are open.

13. No pain: The condition itself is painless. Pain signals another problem, like inflammation or high pressure.

14. Stable or slowly progressive course: Symptoms may not change quickly, but can fluctuate based on how many crystals are present and how watery the vitreous is.

15. Symptoms from the original cause: If the underlying disease is active (like diabetic bleeding), you may also notice flashes, a dark curtain, or sudden blur from that disease, not from the crystals themselves.

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Diagnostic tests

Doctors choose tests to confirm the crystals, separate this condition from other look-alikes, and check the underlying cause. Below are 20 tests grouped into Physical Exam, Manual Clinical Tests, Lab/Pathological Tests, Electrodiagnostic Tests, and Imaging Tests. Together they give a full picture.

A) Physical Exam

1. Visual acuity (distance and near): You read letters on a chart. This shows how clearly you see and whether the crystals or the underlying disease are reducing your vision.

2. Pupil examination with swinging flashlight (check for RAPD): The doctor shines a light in each eye and watches the pupil reactions. An abnormal response suggests damage to the optic nerve or retina from the underlying problem.

3. Confrontation visual field test: You cover one eye and look at the doctor’s nose while counting fingers moving in the side vision. This quick screen looks for areas of missing vision related to retinal disease.

4. Color vision and contrast sensitivity: Simple charts test how you see colors and low-contrast letters. Reduced scores hint at macular or optic nerve involvement beyond just floaters.

B) Manual Clinical Tests

5. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy of the anterior segment: A microscope with a bright beam inspects the front of the eye. The doctor looks for signs of past inflammation or crystals in the front chamber (cholesterolosis bulbi) in severe, damaged eyes.

6. Dilated fundus examination (indirect ophthalmoscopy): After dilating drops, the doctor uses a head-mounted light and a lens to view the vitreous and retina. Free-floating golden crystals that settle with gravity are characteristic of synchysis scintillans.

7. Dynamic positioning observation (“snow-globe” check): The doctor asks you to move your eyes or change head position. In synchysis scintillans, the crystals swirl and then sink, confirming their mobility and distinguishing them from asteroid hyalosis.

8. Tonometry (eye pressure measurement): A gentle device measures intraocular pressure. This helps rule out pressure problems from the underlying cause and checks safety for pupil dilation or future procedures.

C) Lab and Pathological Tests

9. Complete blood count (CBC) with platelets: This looks for anemia or low platelets that can promote bleeding into the eye and explains why old hemorrhage occurred.

10. Blood sugar tests (fasting glucose and HbA1c): These measure diabetes control. Poor control raises the risk of bleeding from diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to crystals later.

11. Coagulation profile (PT/INR, aPTT) ± additional hemostasis testing: These tests look for bleeding or clotting disorders. Abnormal results may explain repeated eye hemorrhages.

12. Vitreous sample or biopsy in selected cases: Rarely, when the diagnosis is unclear or infection is suspected, a small vitreous sample is examined. Under the microscope, cholesterol crystals, blood breakdown products, or inflammatory cells can confirm the process and rule out infection or tumor cells.

D) Electrodiagnostic Tests

13. Full-field electroretinogram (ERG): Small sensors measure the retina’s electrical response to flashes of light. If the retina is healthy, the ERG helps show that visual symptoms are mainly from the crystals or vitreous, not from retinal failure.

14. Multifocal ERG (mfERG): This maps macular function in many small areas. It detects subtle macular damage that may coexist with the crystals and affect fine vision.

15. Electro-oculogram (EOG): This assesses the function of the retinal pigment epithelium. It can uncover widespread retinal health issues in complex cases.

16. Visual evoked potential (VEP): Electrodes on the scalp measure signals from the visual pathway to the brain. Abnormalities suggest optic nerve or pathway problems beyond vitreous floaters.

E) Imaging Tests

17. B-scan ocular ultrasonography: Sound waves create images of the inside of the eye, even when the view is cloudy. Floating reflective echoes that layer inferiorly support the diagnosis. The scan also shows retinal detachment or tumors if present.

18. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the macula and vitreous face: OCT is a light-based scan that shows cross-sections. It can show hyper-reflective specks in the vitreous and reveal macular problems (like edema) from the underlying disease.

19. Color fundus photography or wide-field imaging: Photos document the crystals and the retina. They help track changes over time and educate the patient.

20. Fluorescein angiography (FA) or OCT angiography (OCTA): These tests map retinal blood vessels. They show leaking or new vessels in diabetic retinopathy or vein occlusion, which explains why bleeding happened.

Non-pharmacological treatments (therapies & other measures)

Important: No eye drop or home remedy can dissolve the cholesterol crystals. Treatment focuses on comfort, safety, and controlling the underlying disease to prevent further damage.

1. Observation with structured follow-up: many patients don’t need procedures; scheduled checks catch new bleeds or detachment early.

2. Education about red flags: knowing when to return (new flashes, curtain, sudden blur) prevents permanent vision loss.

3. Lighting optimization: use bright, even light for reading; dim harsh overhead glare; this improves contrast.

4. Sunglasses/anti-glare filters: reduce scatter from the sparkly crystals and make outdoor vision more comfortable.

5. Tinted lenses for screens/night driving: amber/gray tints can cut glare and halos.

6. Low-vision aids when needed: magnifiers, high-contrast settings, large-print materials, e-readers with adjustable fonts.

7. Workstation ergonomics: bigger fonts, higher contrast, matte screens, and frequent breaks to ease glare-related strain.

8. Head-movement management: minimize quick head snaps; let crystals settle before demanding visual tasks.

9. Driving safety plan: avoid night driving/glare conditions until vision is stable; reassess after management of the underlying disease.

10. Protective eyewear: prevents new injuries and bleeds, especially in sports or risky jobs.

11. Fall-prevention at home: good lighting, non-slip rugs, handrails—important if vision fluctuates.

12. Tight diabetes and blood-pressure control (lifestyle): diet, exercise, and sleep help stabilize vascular disease.

13. Smoking cessation: smoking worsens vascular and inflammatory problems; stopping helps the retina.

14. Weight management and physical activity: supports better sugar and pressure control, reducing bleeding risk.

15. Limit alcohol binges: large swings in blood pressure and falls raise trauma/bleed risk.

16. Coordinate blood-thinner use with your doctor: never stop on your own, but ensure dosing and indications are up-to-date to lower ocular bleed risk.

17. Treat eye surface dryness non-medically: humidifiers, blink breaks (comfort can improve visual stability).

18. Allergy avoidance strategies: reduce rubbing/irritation that can cloud vision when crystals already scatter light.

19. Sun and UV protection: steady protection reduces glare and long-term retinal stress.

20. Psychological and social support: coping with chronic floaters and reduced vision is easier with counseling or peer groups.

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Drug treatments

There is no medicine that dissolves cholesterol crystals. Drugs are used to treat the underlying driver (inflammation, bleeding, swelling) or complications (high pressure). Doses below are typical; your own doctor may change them for safety reasons.

1. Prednisolone acetate 1% eye drops (topical corticosteroid)
   Dose/Time: 1 drop 4–8×/day, then slow taper.
   Purpose: calms active uveitis if present.
   Mechanism: blocks inflammatory pathways.
   Side effects: raised eye pressure, cataract with long use, infection risk.

2. Atropine 1% eye drops (cycloplegic)
   Dose/Time: 1 drop 2–3×/day during painful inflammation.
   Purpose: reduces pain/spasm in uveitis; prevents synechiae.
   Mechanism: relaxes ciliary muscle and dilates the pupil.
   Side effects: light sensitivity, near-blur, rare systemic effects.

3. Prednisone (oral corticosteroid)
   Dose/Time: 0.5–1 mg/kg/day, then taper by your doctor.
   Purpose: severe or posterior uveitis when drops aren’t enough.
   Mechanism: systemic anti-inflammatory.
   Side effects: glucose rise, blood-pressure rise, mood change, infection risk, osteoporosis.

4. Dexamethasone 0.7 mg intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®)
   Dose/Time: procedure in clinic; effect 3–6 months.
   Purpose: macular edema/uveitis control when indicated.
   Mechanism: sustained intraocular steroid release.
   Side effects: pressure rise, cataract acceleration, rare infection.

5. Triamcinolone acetonide intravitreal (1–4 mg)
   Dose/Time: single injection; effect months.
   Purpose: edema/inflammation control in selected cases.
   Mechanism: potent local steroid.
   Side effects: pressure rise, cataract, rare endophthalmitis.

6. Ranibizumab 0.5 mg intravitreal (anti-VEGF)
   Dose/Time: monthly then “treat-and-extend,” per specialist.
   Purpose: treats neovascularization that causes bleeding (e.g., proliferative diabetic retinopathy).
   Mechanism: blocks VEGF to shrink fragile new vessels.
   Side effects: rare infection or inflammation after injection; transient discomfort.

7. Bevacizumab 1.25 mg intravitreal (anti-VEGF, off-label ophthalmic use)
   Dose/Time: every 4–6 weeks as needed.
   Purpose/Mechanism/Side effects: similar to ranibizumab.

8. Aflibercept 2 mg intravitreal (anti-VEGF)
   Dose/Time: loading monthly, then extend interval.
   Purpose: another anti-VEGF option for bleeding-prone retinal diseases.
   Side effects: as above.

9. Timolol 0.5% eye drops (beta-blocker for IOP)
   Dose/Time: 1 drop 2×/day if pressure is high (e.g., steroid response).
   Purpose: lowers intraocular pressure.
   Mechanism: reduces aqueous humor production.
   Side effects: slow heart rate, bronchospasm in susceptible people—screening is needed.

10. Acetazolamide (oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) 250 mg
    Dose/Time: 250 mg 2–4×/day or 500 mg SR 2×/day short-term.
    Purpose: temporarily lowers IOP or treats certain edema types.
    Mechanism: reduces aqueous humor; mild diuretic.
    Side effects: tingling, fatigue, kidney stone risk, sulfa allergy concerns.

Note: Your specialist chooses among these based on what is actually active in your eye now (inflammation, new vessels, edema, high pressure). The crystals alone don’t need drops or shots.

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Dietary molecular supplements

No supplement has been proven to remove crystals. The aim is overall retinal and vascular health. Discuss all supplements with your clinician, especially if you are pregnant, on blood thinners, or have kidney/liver disease.

1. Lutein 10 mg/day — macular pigment support; antioxidant that filters blue light.

2. Zeaxanthin 2 mg/day — complements lutein in macular protection.

3. Omega-3 (EPA+DHA 1,000 mg/day) — supports retinal membranes and vascular health; may reduce inflammation.

4. Vitamin C 500 mg/day — antioxidant; supports collagen and capillaries.

5. Vitamin E 400 IU/day — lipid-phase antioxidant; use with caution in anticoagulated patients.

6. Zinc 25–40 mg/day + Copper 2 mg/day — trace elements used in AREDS-type eye formulas; avoid excess.

7. Astaxanthin 6–12 mg/day — potent antioxidant; small studies suggest visual-fatigue benefits.

8. Curcumin 500–1,000 mg/day (with piperine unless contraindicated) — anti-inflammatory properties; watch for GI upset and drug interactions.

9. Resveratrol 150–250 mg/day — antioxidant with vascular effects; evidence in eye disease is exploratory.

10. Coenzyme Q10 100–200 mg/day — mitochondrial support; may aid oxidative-stress balance.

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Regenerative and stem-cell drugs

There are no approved “immunity-booster” drugs or stem-cell drugs that treat synchysis scintillans or dissolve intra-vitreous cholesterol crystals. Unregulated stem-cell injections have caused blindness in other eye conditions. For your safety:

• Avoid any clinic offering stem-cell injections into the eye outside a regulated clinical trial.

• True immune support is vaccination per national guidelines, healthy sleep, nutrition, exercise, and disease control (especially diabetes and hypertension).

• Regenerative research exists (e.g., retinal progenitor cells, gene therapy delivering long-acting anti-VEGF), but these are clinical-trial only. If you’re interested, ask your specialist about legitimate trial registries.

Because these therapies are not approved for this condition, it would be unsafe and inappropriate to give “dosages.”

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Procedures/surgeries

1. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) to clear the vitreous
   What: a microsurgery that removes the gel and suspended crystals/old blood.
   Why: considered when crystals/hemorrhage are dense and visually disabling, or when the surgeon needs a clear view to treat the retina. Risks include cataract progression, infection, retinal tear/detachment, and pressure changes.

2. PPV for non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage
   What: similar operation focused on removing chronic blood that keeps vision hazy.
   Why: restores clarity and lets the surgeon treat the bleeding source.

3. Retinal detachment repair (PPV and/or scleral buckle, gas/oil tamponade)
   What: reattaches the retina and seals tears.
   Why: if detachment caused the long-standing damage that led to crystals, this surgery is vision-saving.

4. Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser
   What: laser treatment of the peripheral retina.
   Why: shrinks fragile new vessels in proliferative diseases (e.g., diabetes) to prevent re-bleeding.

5. Enucleation or evisceration (last resort)
   What: removal of a blind, painful eye.
   Why: only for end-stage, painful eyes (e.g., phthisis) where comfort is the goal.

Note: Vitrectomy removes the crystals from the visual path but does not cure the tendency to form them if bleeding/inflammation returns. The decision is individualized.

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Practical prevention steps

1. Protect your eyes during sports/work (certified safety goggles).

2. Tight control of diabetes and blood pressure to reduce future bleeding risk.

3. Don’t smoke; if you do, get help to quit.

4. Keep scheduled eye visits; early treatment prevents severe complications.

5. Discuss blood thinners with your doctor so the dose and indication are correct (never stop on your own).

6. Manage cholesterol, weight, and exercise—good for vessels and overall eye health.

7. Avoid eye rubbing and avoid trauma that can trigger new bleeds.

8. Treat uveitis early; follow the complete plan and taper steroids as directed.

9. Control sleep apnea if present; it can worsen vascular eye disease.

10. Make home environments safe to prevent falls and head/eye injuries.

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When to see a doctor

• Right away (emergency): a dark curtain over vision, sudden burst of floaters, flashes of light, eye pain with redness, or sudden severe blur—these can signal a fresh vitreous hemorrhage, retinal tear/detachment, or acute inflammation.

• Soon (within days): increased glare/floaters, trouble with bright lights, or vision that is getting worse.

• Routine: even if stable, keep regular retina specialist follow-ups to monitor the underlying disease.

What to eat / what to avoid

1. Leafy greens (spinach, kale) — Eat for lutein/zeaxanthin; Avoid skipping greens if you can tolerate them.

2. Fatty fish (salmon, sardines) 1–2×/week — Eat for omega-3s; Avoid deep-fried fish which adds unhealthy fats.

3. Citrus & berries — Eat vitamin C–rich fruit; Avoid sugary syrups/juices in excess that spike glucose.

4. Nuts & seeds (almonds, walnuts, flax) — Eat for vitamin E and omega-3 precursors; Avoid salted/snack-type excess.

5. Eggs — Eat yolks contain lutein/zeaxanthin; Avoid if your clinician advises limits for other health reasons.

6. Whole grains & legumes — Eat for steady glucose; Avoid refined carbs that spike blood sugar.

7. Olive oil & avocado — Eat heart-healthy fats; Avoid trans-fats and repeated deep-frying oils.

8. Hydration — Do drink water regularly; Avoid heavy alcohol which worsens blood pressure and fall risk.

9. Colorful vegetables (peppers, carrots) — Eat for carotenoids/antioxidants; Avoid over-salting or sugar-glazing.

10. Overall pattern — Choose a Mediterranean-style plate; Avoid smoking and heavy processed foods; they harm vessels.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1) Can the crystals go away on their own?
No. They are cholesterol micro-crystals. They may settle and bother you less, but they do not dissolve spontaneously.

2) Is this dangerous by itself?
The crystals are usually not dangerous. What matters is the underlying disease that allowed them to form (old hemorrhage, inflammation). That needs attention.

3) How is it different from asteroid hyalosis?
Asteroid particles stick to the vitreous framework and don’t settle. Synchysis scintillans crystals float freely and collect at the bottom when you keep still.

4) Do I need surgery?
Only if the crystals, hemorrhage, or scarring seriously affect vision or prevent treatment of the retina. Many people are managed without surgery.

5) Are there prescription drops that “melt” the crystals?
No. Drops treat inflammation, swelling, or pressure, not the crystals themselves.

6) Will new crystals keep forming?
If new bleeding or ongoing inflammation continues, you may see more. Controlling the underlying problem reduces that risk.

7) Can supplements help?
Supplements may support general eye/vascular health, but none removes crystals. Discuss with your doctor to avoid interactions.

8) Is synchysis scintillans a form of cholesterol from high blood cholesterol?
The crystals form inside the eye from breakdown of blood and tissues. Systemic cholesterol may be normal. Still, controlling systemic risk is good for your eyes.

9) Is it contagious?
No.

10) Can I still drive?
If glare and scatter are mild and you meet legal vision standards, yes. If night glare is strong, avoid night driving until your specialist reassesses.

11) Will glasses fix this?
Glasses can correct refractive error but cannot remove haze from crystals. Anti-glare coatings and tints may make vision more comfortable.

12) What imaging will I likely need?
Often a B-scan ultrasound (if the view is unclear) and, if possible, OCT and wide-field photos. Imaging is tailored to your eye.

13) Can laser remove the crystals?
No laser dissolves cholesterol crystals in the vitreous. Laser (PRP) may be used to treat the retina to stop future bleeding.

14) Are there lifestyle changes that truly help?
Yes—diabetes and blood-pressure control, no smoking, eye protection, safe home lighting, and keeping appointments all matter.

15) Where do I find trustworthy clinical trials?
Ask your retina specialist. They can point you to official trial registries and legitimate centers; avoid clinics selling unproven stem-cell injections.

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Updated: August 27, 2025.