Glaskörper

Glaskörper refers to the vitreous humor, a transparent, gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina of the eye. It occupies about 80% of the eye's volume and plays a crucial role in maintaining the eye's shape and supporting the retina. The vitreous humor is composed primarily of water (about 99%), collagen, hyaluronic acid, and various other proteins.

Throughout a person's life, the composition of the vitreous humor changes. In younger individuals, it is more gel-like and firmly attached to the retina. As people age, the vitreous humor liquefies and can detach from the retina, a process known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). This detachment is a common occurrence and often leads to the perception of floaters, which are small specks or cobweb-like shapes that drift across the field of vision.

While PVD is typically harmless, in some cases, it can lead to complications such as retinal tears or detachment if the vitreous pulls too strongly on the retina during detachment. Other conditions affecting the vitreous include vitreous hemorrhage, which is bleeding into the vitreous humor, often caused by diabetic retinopathy or trauma. Inflammation of the vitreous is known as posterior uveitis. Medical professionals can examine the vitreous humor during an ophthalmological examination to diagnose and monitor various eye conditions.