[Aging and age-related changes of the vitreous body]

The vitreous body is the largest component of the eye. It is a colorless, gelatinous, highly hydrated matrix that fills the posterior segment of the eye between the lens, the ciliary body and the retina. Changes in vitreal structure that occur with aging, such as vitreous liquefaction and fiber aggregation (vitreous syneresis) are important in the pathogenesis of many vitreoretinal diseases. During senescence, the vitreous volume is reduced, the vitreous body collapses and the vitreal fibers are continuously thickened, become more tortuous and surrounded by liquefied vitreous. This sequence of age-related changes results from a progressive reorganization of the hyaluronic acid and collagen molecular networks.

Although the vitreous body may at first glance appear to be a redundant tissue than can be removed and almost normal ocular function will still be maintained, the vitreous body and the vitreoretinal interface have a crucial influence on the physiology and pathophysiology of the eye. Age-related liquefaction and vitrous syneresis play an essential pathogenetic role in the development of posterior vitreous detachment, retinal breaks and retinal detachment.