Regional variation within the interphotoreceptor matrix from fovea to the retinal periphery.

The interphotoreceptor matrix in the human retina comprises a highly organised extracellular compartment. Using fluorescent labelled peanut agglutinin and the cationic dyes Cupromeronic and Cuprolinic Blue, unique cylindrical domains surrounding cone photoreceptors can be demonstrated. These cone specific domains are relatively insoluble and are closely adherent to cone photoreceptors and to the pigment epithelium, suggesting that these structures may play a role in retinal attachment.