Vitreous humor

Vitreous Humor

The vitreous humor or vitreous body is a clear, gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina in the human eye. It makes up approximately two-thirds of the eye's volume and helps to maintain its spherical shape.

Composition

The vitreous humor is composed of 99% water, with the remaining 1% consisting of collagen, hyaluronic acid, inorganic salts, sugars, and a network of proteins and enzymes. Despite its gel-like consistency, the vitreous humor is 98-99% water, making it the clearest substance in the body.

Function

The primary function of the vitreous humor is to provide structural support to the eye. It helps to maintain the shape of the eye and keep the retina in place against the back of the eye. The vitreous humor also plays a role in the refraction of light within the eye, contributing to clear, sharp vision.

Clinical significance

Changes in the vitreous humor can lead to a number of eye disorders. For example, as people age, the vitreous humor can liquefy and shrink, a process known as vitreous syneresis. This can lead to posterior vitreous detachment, a common condition in which the vitreous humor separates from the retina. Other conditions related to the vitreous humor include vitreous hemorrhage, where blood leaks into the vitreous humor, and vitreous floaters, small specks or clouds that move in a person's field of vision.

See also

• Aqueous humor
• Human eye
• Retina
• Lens (anatomy)