What is the primary function of the vitreous humor in the eye?

The primary function of the vitreous humor in the eye is to control intraocular pressure and maintain the shape of the eyeball. The vitreous humor is a clear, gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina. Its gel-like consistency plays a crucial role in providing structural support to the eye, helping to keep it spherical and maintaining the proper distance between the retina and the lens, which is essential for optimal focusing.

By filling the large cavity of the eyeball, the vitreous humor also helps to stabilize the position of the retina, preventing it from detaching. Furthermore, it assists in distributing the pressure within the eye, which is vital for the eye's overall integrity. Proper intraocular pressure is necessary to ensure that the eye functions correctly without risking damage to the retina or other structures.

While tears are essential for eye lubrication, light absorption occurs primarily in the retina, and vision clarity is influenced by various optical media in the eye, not specifically the vitreous humor itself. Thus, the primary role of the vitreous humor relates to maintaining the eye's shape and the pressure within it.