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As a 2022 research review explains, the eye is a complex organ.

First, the outermost part of the front of the eye is the cornea, which partly acts as a protective layer.

Next, just behind the cornea is the iris. This is the colored section at the front of the eye. Moreover, it can control the size of the pupil — the hole at the center of the iris — to determine how much light reaches the lens.

Then, the lens is just behind the iris, and its job is to focus incoming light toward the retina.

Further, the retina is at the very back of the eye. Its job is to register different properties of light before sending that information to the brain via the optic nerve.

Finally, between the lens and the retina is the vitreous humor, keeping everything in place.

Function of Vitreous Humor

A person may injure the vitreous humor in several ways.

For instance, a 2022 review explains that the vitreous humor can sustain damage from blunt trauma. Specifically this involves a severe shock to the eye, such as from an object hitting the eye.

Moreover, the vitreous humor can also sustain damage from penetrating trauma, which occurs when sharp objects poke into and damage the eye.

Furthermore, eye injuries have potential adverse effects, such as posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears, and retinal detachments. Notably, this occurs when the retina detaches from the vitreous cortex. In fact, the vitreous cortex is a layer that separates the vitreous humor from the rest of the eye.

Other Concerns

According to a 2022 review, vitreous floaters, in fact, are a common sign of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Additionally, PVD is common in older individuals.

Furthermore, they can also develop for other reasons.

Moreover, vitreous floaters are more commonly known as just floaters. Specifically, they are clumps of collagen fibers. Although they can be a little distracting, small amounts of floaters are not usually harmful.

Finally, if there is no serious underlying cause, vitreous floaters should resolve on their own.

If someone experiences noticeable changes in their vision, they should seek their doctor’s advice.

In particular, these changes might include a marked increase in vitreous humor floaters. Accordingly, they might also include the experience of bright flashes.

Furthermore, a 2022 review lists these as symptoms of posterior vitreous detachment. Combined, they require swift medical attention.

Moreover, anyone with a vitreous hemorrhage should seek urgent medical attention. Research has shown that vitreous hemorrhage can indicate several serious conditions.

Alongside posterior vitreous detachment, these include intracranial hemorrhage and hemophilia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Following are some answers some frequently asked questions about vitreous humor.

Can vitreous humor be replaced?

Yes, doctors can replace it with artificial substances.

How do I keep my vitreous gel healthy?

A 2019 study proposed that taking micronutrients such as vitamin C, hesperidin, zinc, leucocyanidin, lysine, and verbascosides may help slow or prevent the age-related degeneration of the vitreous humor.

However, researchers have not yet observed how this method works in human studies.

Furthermore, they suggest it may work indirectly by preventing oxidative stress, which may be a factor in vitreous humor-related concerns.

Therefore, a person should always consult a doctor before changing their diet or taking supplements.

In addition, people can also maintain a healthy vitreous gel by avoiding damage to the vitreous.

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