Pathology of vitreomaculopathies

Abstract

The hallmark of vitreomaculopathies is traction exerted onto the macula. This traction is generated by tension forces between the vitreous, in particular the posterior vitreous cortex, and the inner limiting membrane (ILM) of the retina. In theory, traction arising from vitreomacular adhesions can either be tangential to the retinal surface or perpendicular (axial). In reality, both pathologies are frequently found in combination, forming characteristic pathologic features of clinical diseases such as macular pucker, macular hole, and vitreomacular traction syndrome.