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In complicated vitreoretinal surgery, vitreous substitutes play a major role in maintaining intraocular pressure.Air, expansion gases, perfluorocarbons liquid, and silicone oil are frequently used in modern vitreoretinal surgery.Long-term vitreous substitute has been attempted with collagen, hyaluronic acid, natural hydrogel polymers and so on.However, an ideal vitreous substitute is being requested for a long time.This review focused on the currently available vitreous substitutes, as well as those in the experimental phase.These compounds were classified based on their functionality, composition, and properties.The clinical use, advantages, and shortcomings of the various substitutes were discussed.Finally, the criteria for an ideal vitreous substitute was defined.