Multimodal imaging of a micro-anatomical structure in the vitreous base

BACKGROUND: To describe an ultrastructure in the vitreous base (VB) and its micro-anatomical characteristics by multimodal imaging. METHODS: Light and transmission electron microscopy of the VB were performed on specimens from post-trauma eyes and one healthy donor eye. Intra-operative fundus images associated with VB abnormalities were captured from 4 cases, including 2 retinal detachment (RD) with PVR eyes and 2 post-trauma eyes. Images during micro-anatomical observation of the three specimens were analyzed along with the fundus images obtained during vitrectomy. RESULTS: Densely packed collagen fibers were observed by light microscopy between the pigment epithelium layer and uveal tissue within the ora serrata region in specimen 1 and the post-mortem healthy eye, respectively. A similar structure was also observed by transmission electron microscopy interior to the pigment epithelium layer and exposed to the vitreous cavity in specimen 2. The collagen fibers, which were termed ciliary body-choroid-retina (CB-C-R) connector, connects to the vitreous fibers interiorly, ciliary epithelium anteriorly, peripheral retina posteriorly, and uveal tissue exteriorly. The three different RD boundaries related to the posterior edge of the VB, ora serrata, and ciliary epithelium are demonstrated with the micro-anatomical characteristics of the CB-C-R connector. CONCLUSION: The CB-C-R connector exists deep in the VB.