In Vivo Measurement of the Human Vitreous Chamber Volume Using Computed Tomography Imaging of 100 Eyes.

PURPOSE

To accurately measure the vitreous chamber volume (VCV) in humans using high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scanning techniques combined with three-dimensional analysis software. Potential relationships between age, axial length, and VCVs were also explored.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, the eyes of 100 healthy individuals were studied. Scans were acquired during clinical care and did not show any signs of orbital pathology. Exclusion criteria included any ocular history. CT scans were acquired with a slice thickness of 0.7 mm, and volumetric analysis was carried out using the MIMICS image analysis software version 19.0 (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium).

RESULTS

The final sample included 100 eyes from 50 patients (30 women, 20 men). The mean age was 48.67 ± 20.72 years, and the age range was 18 to 91 years. The mean VCV was 4.649.99 ± 0.426.54 mm for women and 4.969.0 ± 0.465.20 mm for men. We found a significant correlation between age and VCV ( < 0.001), axial length and VCV ( < 0.001), and age and axial length ( < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The VCV appears to be greater than the current consensus suggests. This work also suggests that the VCV is associated with age and axial length, indicating that it is dynamic and may change throughout adulthood.

TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE

This information regarding the volume of the vitreous chamber is useful for our understanding of proper dosage and behavior of agents we commonly insert into the vitreous chamber.