Vitreous Body And Relationships Flashcards
Borders of the Vitreous Body
Anteriorly: posterior surface of the lens, and retro-zonular portion of the posterior chamber
Peripherally: pars plana, ora serrata, and peripheral retina
Posteriorly: posterior retina, optic disc, and macula
The center of the anterior surface of the vitreous body contains the _________ fossa.
What sits in here?
Patellar
Lens
The vitreous makes up about __% of the eye.
80%
All surfaces that interface with the vitreous are..
Basement membranes
What part of the ciliary body touches the vitreous?
Nonpigmented epithelium
What part of the lens touches the vitreous?
Lens basement membrane of the lens capsule
What part of the retina touches the vitreous?
Inner limiting membrane (ILM)
The vitreous forms several attachments to surrounding structures, where is the strongest?
At the vitreous base, at the ora serrata.
What are the 5 vitreous attachments in order of decreasing strength?
- Ora serrata
- Posterior lens
- Optic disc
- Macula
- Retinal vessels
Why is the ora serrata the strongest attachment for the vitreous?
There’s more collagen on the periphery, making it easier for attachment.
What is the name of the ligament that attaches the vitreous to the posterior lens capsule?
What type of attachment is formed?
Hyaloideocapsular ligament of Weiger (or retrolental ligament)
An annular attachment, circular.
What is the space in the middle of the retrolental ligament (of Weiger) called?
Retrolental space of Berger
What is the peripalliary adhesion of the vitreous around the edge of the optic disc called?
What’s this issue with this area?
Weiss’ Ring
The adhesion diminished with age
What is PVD?
What can this cause?
Posterior vitreous detachment
Floaters, can cause bleeding (just like a tick getting pulled off)
What is the main issue with the vitreous attachment to the macula? (Related to aging)
As you age, the vitreous will pull on the macula because mostly all of the vitreous will detach from the retina over time.
What problems can arise in the retina from the vitreous attachment on the macula?
It can cause “wrinkling” over time on the ILM of the retina, due to the tension being created. MACULA PUCKER
This can also lead to a MACULAR HOLE (damage to the retina)
What attaches the vitreous to the retina/retinal vessels? What are the 2 extracellular matrix molecules found here that have adhesive properties?
“Molecular glue”
Lamina and fibronectin
Every vitreous attachment is fibrous except for?
The retinas. It’s “glue” or whatever
What is the main issue that can develop on/in the retina from the vitreous attachment?
Pre-retinal hemorrhage
Blood sits in front of the retina and behind the vitreous
In diabetic retinopathy, __________________ of retinal blood vessels can occur. Over time, if untreated, what can happen??
Neovascularization. They can grow into the vitreous body and become a very high risk for bleeding! (B/c vitreous is a shock absorber)
What are the 3 zones of the vitreous?
- Vitreous cortex (outermost)
- Intermediate zone
- Cloquet’s canal (center zone/canal)
What’s an alternate name for the vitreous cortex?
Hyaloid surface, or outer zone.
What are the parts of the vitreous cortex that appear as holes? Where are these 3 holes?
Transvitreal channels
- Prepapillary hole (Weiss ring)
- Premacular hole (actually just a weak area)
- Prevascular fissures (where the fibers enter the retina and encircle retinal vessels)
What are the membrane-like condensations found in the intermediate zone?
Vitreous tracts
