Emergency physicians rarely are called upon to diagnose and treat diseases of the vitreous, yet timely diagnosis and referral to a specialist can optimize the opportunity for recovery. Occasionally, even the suspicion of vitreoretinal disease mandates referral to an eye surgeon with special training in problems of the posterior pole. Surgical treatment for abnormal conditions of the vitreous date to the mid-19th century, yet only since 1965 have truly safe and effective approaches to treating vitreous disease and hemorrhage made an impact. Anatomists and pathologists have been mystified by the gelatinous substance filling the eyes since scientists began studying the human body.
Vitreous body comprises four fifths of the globe.
Vitreous volume averages 4 mL in an adult. These components give vitreous its specific gel-like form. Vitreous is clear and avascular, filling the space bound by the lens, retina and optic disc. As the vitreous is inelastic and impervious to cells and debris, it plays an important role in maintaining the transparency and form of the eye. If vitreous is removed, the eye loses its structural integrity and collapses.