Disorders of vitreous body and globe

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Disorders of the Vitreous Body and Globe encompass a range of medical conditions that affect the vitreous humor, the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina of the eye, and the globe of the eye itself. These disorders can lead to various symptoms and complications, impacting vision and eye health significantly.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The vitreous body is a transparent, gel-like substance that makes up around two-thirds of the eye's volume, providing it with its shape and optical properties. The globe of the eye, or eyeball, includes the vitreous body along with the cornea, sclera, choroid, retina, and other components critical for vision. Disorders affecting these parts of the eye can range from benign to severe, affecting individuals of all ages.

Common Disorders[edit | edit source]

Vitreous Detachment[edit | edit source]

Vitreous detachment occurs when the vitreous gel shrinks and separates from the retina. While it can lead to symptoms like floaters and flashes, it is generally not harmful in itself but can sometimes lead to retinal detachment, a more serious condition.

Retinal Detachment[edit | edit source]

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency where the retina is pulled away from its normal position. Symptoms include a significant increase in floaters, flashes of light, and a shadow or curtain over part of the visual field. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss.

Vitreous Hemorrhage[edit | edit source]

Vitreous hemorrhage involves bleeding into the vitreous humor, which can cause sudden vision loss. It is often caused by diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, or trauma to the eye.

Endophthalmitis[edit | edit source]

Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammation of the interior of the eye, usually due to infection. Symptoms include severe pain, redness, swelling, and loss of vision. It requires urgent medical treatment to prevent permanent damage.

Diagnosis and Treatment[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of disorders of the vitreous body and globe typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity tests, dilated eye exams, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or optical coherence tomography (OCT). Treatment varies depending on the specific disorder but may include observation, laser therapy, cryotherapy, vitrectomy, or scleral buckling for retinal detachment, and antibiotics or antifungal medications for endophthalmitis.

Prevention and Management[edit | edit source]

While not all disorders of the vitreous body and globe can be prevented, maintaining good eye health through regular eye exams and managing underlying health conditions like diabetes can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions. Prompt treatment of eye injuries and infections is also crucial in preventing more serious complications.


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD