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Vitreous Humor

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What is Vitreous Humor?

Human eye is classified into three segments: the vitreous, the anterior and the posterior chamber of the eye. Almost 80% of the eye consists of the vitreous chamber. Hence, it is the largest one among all the chambers. It has the most crucial fluid-like substance called vitreous humor.

The colorless, gel-like fluid that is transparent and occupies the area between retina and lens is called Vitreous Humor. It is filled with the majority of water. However, you will find  glycosaminoglycans (sugars), electrolytes (salts), proteins and collagen.Vitreous fluid is a firm jelly-like consistency. It is found in the Vitreous chamber of the eye. The vitreous human eye looks like this:


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Function of Vitreous Humor 

One of the most important roles of vitreous humor is to protect the eye. Also, the shape of the eye has been maintained by vitreous humor. The size and shape of the vitreous humor is determined in such a way that it is in contact with the retina, which is the layer at the back of the eye and sensitive to light. It also determines the clarity of the objects we see. We can only be able to see a clear object as the vitreous humor is a clear substance as it permits the light to pass through and reach the retina.  The pigmented region required for high-resolution color vision  is called the macula, which is located near the center of the center. The light entering through the vitreous humor to macula and retina is then converted into visual information and sent to the brain by the optic nerve. The vitreous humor function is not only to protect the eye by containing the shape of the retina but also to absorb any unexpected obstacles to the eye. Hence, it also prevents eye-damage also.


Development of Vitreous Humor

The thickness of the vitreous fluid decreases with age which causes the vitreous humor to shrink. This phenomenon is referred to as Vitreous degeneration. In this condition , the thick jelly-like vitreous fluid becomes the thinner liquid consistency. It causes the vitreous humor to separate from the retina causing disturbance in the visual field eg. spots, rings. One should consult a physician before the condition gets too serious.

If not treated properly, it can cause PVD (Posterior Vitreous Detachment), which is the condition when the vitreous humor is completely separated from the retina. It can result in flashes of light. It also leads to stretching and tearing, causing a serious condition called vitreous hemorrhage. It can further lead to complications like retinal tear, retinal detachment etc.

The lining of the back eye is generally torn due to the separation of the vitreous humor from the eye  causing the retinal tear.  It can subsequently lead to retinal detachment which requires a retinal surgery. Retinal detachment can also cause blurred vision, reduced peripheral vision etc. In case you don't treat it, it can even lead to vision loss.


Aqueous humor

The clear water-like fluid equivalent to plasma, but having low protein concentration is called aqueous humor. It is produced from the ciliary body, which is used to support the lens of the eyeball. It also covers the space between the anterior and the posterior chambers of the eye. It is different from vitreous humor.  The aqueous humor formation maintains the pressure and inflates the globe of the eye. It helps to keep the eyeball in spherical shape. It is also used for refractive index. It also Provides inflation for expansion of the cornea and hence helps in  protection against wind, dust, wind, and some pathogens.


Conclusion

The largest cavity in the eye which makes the vitreous humor  the most significant liquid in the eye is called the vitreous chamber.  The vitreous gel  is of utmost importance for the human eye. The vitreous humor eye incurs a lot of changes from the birth to the fifth decade, when it starts to shrink. The shrinking can further lead to many disorders from blurred vision to retinal detachment. The aqueous humor is a gel which is similar to plasma and is secreted from the ciliary body. The aqueous humor is different from vitreous humor.

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FAQs on Vitreous Humor

1. What is vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy is a type of surgery that involves the replacement of the gel-like substance vitreous humor with another gel-like fluid. It is generally conducted in the retinal and vitreous humor issues especially, retinal detachment, or even Posterior vitreous detachment. It is a serious surgery and it takes time to get the vision back after the surgery.

2. What is the purpose of vitreous humor in our eyes?

The vitreous humor's main function is to hold the round shape of the eye. The size and shape of the vitreous humor is determined in such a way that it is in contact with the retina, which is the layer at the back of the eye and sensitive to light. It also determines the clarity of the objects we see. We can only be able to see a clear object as the vitreous humor is a clear substance as it permits the light to pass through and reach the retina.

3. What is aqueous humor?

Aqueous humor is a transparent gel-like fluid which is secreted from the ciliary body called aqueous humor. It encompasses the space between the anterior and posterior chamber of the eye. The function of the aqueous humor is to  maintain the pressure and inflate the globe of the eye. It helps to keep the eyeball in spherical shape. It is also used for refractive index.

4. What are the disorders associated with vitreous humor?

The Following are the Disorders Associated with Vitreous Humor:

Vitreous Degeneration- This condition is caused with age when the vitreous gel loses its thickness and causes the vitreous humor to shrink. It can also result in causing floats, rings etc.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment- This is the condition when the vitreous humor is completely separated from the retina. It can result in flashes of light.

Vitreous Hemorrhage- When you see a  reddish tint to your vision and your vision is blurred,it may be vitreous hemorrhage. There are vessels in the surrounding retina – a vitreous haemorrhage can occur due to the rupture in these vessels.  Many other symptoms of vitreous haemorrhage are  increased in floaters.


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