Vitreoretinal interface

The vitreoretinal interface is the highly specialized zone where the vitreous gel meets the internal limiting membrane (ILM) of the retina. It is composed of the posterior vitreous cortex, the ILM, and an extracellular matrix "glue" rich in fibronectin, laminin, and various collagens, which mediate adhesion between the vitreous body and the retinal surface[1][4][7]. The strength and configuration of this interface can vary with age, topography, and pathological conditions, and abnormal traction or separation at the VRI underlies diseases such as macular hole, vitreomacular traction, and certain forms of diabetic retinopathy[4][6][7]. The VRI is a region, not a protein or gene, and direct pharmacological interventions target its extracellular matrix components rather than a canonical molecular target.

Other names

VRIvitreomacular interface

Enzymatic degradation of extracellular matrix proteins (fibronectin, laminin, collagen) to induce posterior vitreous detachment