The vitreous is a gel-like structure that is the largest cavity of the eye and fills the space between the lens and the retina. The volume of the vitreous cavity accounts for about four-fifths of the total volume of the eyeball. The average volume is about 4 mL. The vitreous is transparent and functions in transporting nutrients to the lens, ciliary body and retina.
Vitreous structure contains 99% water. Vitreous type II and type IX are composed of collagen, glycoproteins, and other soluble proteins. The consistency of vitreous is about twice the viscosity of water due to hyaluronic acid, a mucopolysaccharide. Within the vitreous are hyalocytes (believed to be modified histiocytes, glial cells, or fibroblasts). It contains fine collagen fibrils, mostly composed of type II collagen. Larger fibers are also interspersed in the vitreous. The thick fibers are linked by hyaluronic acid and fluid channels that fill the space in between, and thin fibrils. Vitreous diseases may impair or even reduce the quality of vision due to the clouding of the transparent medium in the vitreous cavity. Vitreous disorders that may cause visual complaints are described under headings.
Vitreous Syneresis
Asteroid Hyalosis
Syncysis Skintillas
Vitreous Floaters
Posterior Vitreous Detachment
vitritis
amyloidosis
Vitreous Hemorrhage
Persistent Hyaloid Artery
Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreus
prof. Dr. Umit INAN
