Syneresis and Aging

Syneresis of the vitreous refers to liquefaction and collapse of the gel. Syneresis of the central vitreous is a nearly universal consequence of aging. It also occurs as a result of vitreous inflammation and hemorrhage and in the setting of significant axial myopia. The prominent lamellae and strands that develop in the aging eye and following inflammation or hemorrhage are the result of abnormally aggregated collagenous vitreous fibrils around syneretic pockets of hyaluronate (Fig 10-6). Syneresis is one of the contributing factors leading to vitreous detachment.

Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 4 - Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.