Usually fully regressed before birth, its purpose is to supply nutrients to the developing lens in the growing fetus.

During the tenth week of development in humans (time varies depending on species), the lens grows independent of a blood supply and the hyaloid artery usually regresses.

Its proximal portion remains as the central artery of the retina.

An anterior remnant of the hyaloid artery can be seen in some people as Mittendorf's dot, a small pinpoint-like scar on the posterior surface of the lens.

[1] A posterior remnant may be seen where the artery left the optic disc, and is known as Bergmeister's papilla.