Vitreous body in the frontal parts of the eye (aqueous humour) which is continuously replenished, the gel in the vitreous chamber is stagnant. Therefore, if blood, cells or other byproducts of inflammation get into the vitreous, they will remain there unless removed surgically. These are known as floaters. If the vitreous pulls away from the retina, it is known as a vitreous detachment. As the human body ages, the vitreous often liquefies and may collapse. This is more likely to occur, and occurs much earlier, in eyes that are nearsighted (myopia). It can also occur after injuries to the eye or inflammation
The Gifts of the Body caregiver, who describes the process of placing salve on Keith's body sores as an ordeal that must be done calmly and without hesitation, in order to avoid embarrassing the patient. One day, as the caregiver is rubbing the salve in, Keith tells the story behind a painting in the room, which was painted in Africa. Keith says that he lived in Africa for some time, which his mother thought was a good thing, until he contracted AIDS and had to return to the States. He and another patient (Connie) are the only patients with whom the caregiver is actually present