The vitreous compartment takes up around 80% of the volume of the eye and sits posterior to the aqueous chamber and lens.
The vitreous humour acts as a translucent medium through which light can transmit from the lens to the retina, as well as providing mechanical support and protection to the eye and its internal structures. It also plays a vital role in metabolism within the eye.
It is a clear hydrogel, which is composed of water alongside a small amount of collagen fibres, cells (otherwise known as hyalocytes), protein and hyaluronic acid. Despite water making up 99% of the vitreous, the additional components make it 2-4 times more viscous.
