glaskropp

Glaskropp is the Swedish word for the vitreous humor, the clear gel that fills the space in the vertebrate eye between the lens and the retina. It is a transparent, avascular substance composed primarily of water (about 98-99%), collagen, and hyaluronic acid. The collagen provides structural support, while hyaluronic acid helps maintain its gel-like consistency and hydration.

The vitreous humor plays several important roles in the eye. It helps maintain the spherical shape of the eyeball, contributes to the refractive power of the eye by transmitting light to the retina, and cushions the delicate structures of the eye from external shock. It also provides a pathway for nutrients and waste products to move within the eye.

As a person ages, the vitreous humor can undergo changes. It may liquefy, a process known as vitreous syneresis, and the collagen fibers can clump together. This can lead to the formation of floaters, which are perceived as small specks, threads, or cobwebs drifting in the field of vision. While typically harmless, a sudden increase in floaters or the appearance of flashes of light can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, such as a retinal tear or detachment, and warrants medical attention. The vitreous humor does not regenerate if lost or significantly damaged.