Anatomy and Clinical Examination of the Eye

Abstract

During early development, the invaginated optic vesicle (optic cup) contains the primary vitreous, a vascularised tissue supplying the lens and retina (both of which have an ectodermal origin). During the 3rd month of gestation, the primary vitreous gradually loses its vascularity and is replaced by the secondary vitreous, which is derived mainly from the anterior retina and ciliary body. The principal remnants of the primary vitreous are Cloquet’s canal and some epipapillary gliosis. A mild exaggeration of the latter is seen in Bergmeister’s papilla, while a Mittendorf’s dot is a primary vitreous remnant on the posterior capsule. The hyaloid artery may occasionally persist as a vascular channel growing into the central gel from the optic disc or as a glial plaque on the posterior lens capsule.