Which is the weakest attachment of the vitreous to the retina?

Which is the weakest attachment of the vitreous to the retina?

• A. Vitreous base
• B. Posterior lens
• C. Optic disc
• D. Retinal vessels

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that the vitreous does not attach to the retina uniformly; some interfaces are much tighter anchors than others. The strongest connections are the vitreous base near the ora serrata, where the cortex adheres firmly to peripheral retina; the posterior hyaloid face to the posterior lens capsule via Wieger’s ligament; and bonds at the optic disc region. In contrast, the connection to the retinal vessels is comparatively loose, so this area provides the weakest adhesion. Because of this weaker grip, the vitreous is more prone to separate from the retina at the retinal vessels during aging or vitreous liquefaction, which is a common pathway for posterior vitreous detachment. So the retinal vessels represent the weakest attachment point between the vitreous and retina.

The key idea is that the vitreous does not attach to the retina uniformly; some interfaces are much tighter anchors than others. The strongest connections are the vitreous base near the ora serrata, where the cortex adheres firmly to peripheral retina; the posterior hyaloid face to the posterior lens capsule via Wieger’s ligament; and bonds at the optic disc region. In contrast, the connection to the retinal vessels is comparatively loose, so this area provides the weakest adhesion. Because of this weaker grip, the vitreous is more prone to separate from the retina at the retinal vessels during aging or vitreous liquefaction, which is a common pathway for posterior vitreous detachment. So the retinal vessels represent the weakest attachment point between the vitreous and retina.