Origin of the Retina and Lens

The origin of the retina and lens is a complex embryological process that begins with the interaction between the epiblast and surrounding structures. During this evolution, a space forms, filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and amniotic fluid, both originating from a common source. Juxtacrine communication plays an essential role in establishing molecular connections, thus facilitating the development of the choroid, the vascular tissue of the eye. This vascular invasion is crucial for the formation of an artery, involving vesicles and a chemical gradient that guide development.

The formation of the optic vesicle is another key aspect, dividing into an inner layer and an outer layer to form the retinal space. The retina, considered an extension of the brain, is influenced by CSF and intercellular signals. Simultaneously, the lens vesicle, originating from the epiblast, gives rise to the lens through a similar mechanism of juxtacrine communication. The latter develops by forming two chambers, anterior and posterior, while the conjunctiva covers the eye and eyelids. The structure of the retina, extremely thin, is comparable to a sheet of paper, highlighting the complexity and precision of ocular development.