Introduction: Hyalocytes are sentinel macrophages residing within the posterior vitreous cortex anterior to the retinal inner limiting membrane (ILM). Following anomalous PVD and vitreoschisis, hyalocytes contribute to paucicellular (vitreo-macular traction syndrome, macular holes) and hypercellular (macular pucker, proliferative vitreo-retinopathy, proliferative diabetic vitreo-retinopathy) diseases.
Areas covered: Studies of human tissues employing dark-field, phase, and electron microscopy; immunohistochemistry; and in vivo imaging of human hyalocytes.
Expert opinion: Hyalocytes are important in early pathophysiology, stimulating cell migration and proliferation, as well as subsequent membrane contraction and vitreo-retinal traction. Targeting hyalocytes early could mitigate advanced disease. Ultimately, eliminating the role of vitreous and hyalocytes may prevent proliferative vitreo-retinal diseases entirely.
Keywords: Vitreous; anomalous PVD; hyalocytes; macular pucker; proliferative diabetic vitreo-retinopathy; proliferative vitreo-retinopathy; vitreoschisis.