What purpose does the jelly-like vitreous humor serve in the eye?

The vitreous humor is a clear, jelly-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina in the eye. Its primary function is to maintain the eye's shape, providing structural support to the delicate inner components of the eye. By holding the retina in place against the back wall of the eye, the vitreous humor aids in maintaining the proper distance between the lens and the retina, which is essential for clear vision.

While other components of the eye are responsible for image formation, visual protection, and light filtration, such as the cornea and lens, the vitreous humor does not specifically play these roles. Its gel-like consistency also helps in absorbing shocks and reducing the risk of damage to the more fragile structures of the eye. This capacity to preserve the spherical shape of the eyeball is crucial for normal vision and overall eye health.