The aqueous humor is a clear, watery fluid that fills the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye, located between the cornea and the lens. It plays a vital role in maintaining the eye’s shape, nourishing the cornea and lens, and regulating intraocular pressure (IOP). Produced by the ciliary body, the aqueous humor flows through the pupil and drains through the trabecular meshwork into Schlemm’s canal, where it exits the eye and enters the bloodstream.
Proper balance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor is essential for maintaining normal eye pressure. If the fluid cannot drain properly, pressure within the eye can increase, leading to glaucoma, a serious condition that can cause damage to the optic nerve and result in vision loss. Regular eye exams that include measurements of IOP can help detect any abnormalities in aqueous humor flow and prevent the progression of glaucoma.
The aqueous humor also serves to nourish avascular structures of the eye, such as the lens and cornea, providing them with essential nutrients like oxygen and glucose. It also helps remove waste products from these structures. Disorders in aqueous humor production or flow can lead to a variety of eye conditions, making its regulation a critical aspect of ocular health.
