Vitreous Humor · What Is It, Location, Function, Most Important Facts, and More

The vitreous humor’s main role is to maintain the round shape of the eye. The size and shape of the vitreous humor also ensures that it remains attached to the retina, which is the layer at the back of the eye that is sensitive to light. 

The vitreous humor is also a part of the eye that can help with vision clarity. Because the vitreous humor is a clear substance, light is able to pass through and reach the retina. Near the center of the retina is the macula, a pigmented region responsible for high-resolution color vision. When light travels through the vitreous humor to the retina and macula, it is then translated to visual information and transmitted by the optic nerve to the brain. 

The vitreous humor can also be helpful in absorbing any unexpected disturbances to the eye, such as a thump to the side of head. Absorbing the shock associated with the thump or similar disturbance can help prevent eye damage.

With the normal process of aging, the vitreous humor may begin to shrink due to a decrease in viscosity or thickness. This process is called vitreous degeneration. As the fluid changes from a thick gel-like substance to a thinner liquid consistency, the vitreous humor separates from the retina. This can lead to vitreous floaters, or small disruptions in the visual field such as spots, web-like lines, or rings. No specific treatment is needed in most cases, as the floaters tend to become less noticeable over time. However, serious complications can occur, so it is recommended to consult a physician. 

In some cases, significant vitreous degeneration can lead to detachment of the vitreous humor from the retina, known as a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This can lead to flashes of light and a significant increase in floaters. PVD can also cause blood vessels to stretch and tear, potentially leading to a vitreous hemorrhage. Moreover, posterior vitreous detachment causes traction on the retina, which can lead to several complications such as a retinal tear, retinal detachment, or macular hole.