It is formed by an invagination of the hyaloid membrane, which encloses the vitreous body.

In the fetus, the hyaloid canal contains a prolongation of the central artery of the retina, the hyaloid artery, which supplies blood to the developing lens.

The hyaloid canal appears to have no function in the adult eye, though its remnant structure can be seen.

[2] Contrary to initial belief,[3] the hyaloid canal does not facilitate changes in the volume of the lens.

[4] Furthermore, lymph, being liquid, is incompressible, so even if the volume of the lens did change, the hyaloid canal could not compensate for it.