The vitreous plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of many retinal disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and macular abnormalities.
Opacities develop from bleeding in diabetic retinopathy or trauma.
The vitreous is adherent to the retina in youth, and separation of the vitreous as a result of aging may result in retinal tears or detachment. Tractional changes along the vitreoretinal interface may also result in surface changes which cause retinal detachment or loss of vision. In 1970, Machemer reported the successful removal of longstanding vitreous hemorrhages in a group of diabetic patients. Over the next three decades refinements in surgical techniques have expanded the indications and capability of vitreous surgery. Some of the advances are the use of long-term vitreous replacements, endolaser photocoagulation, panoramic viewing systems, and perfluorocarbon liquids.