AQUEOUS HUMOR

 

Aqueous humor is a watery fluid found in the anterior chamber of the eye that maintains its optical properties by stabilizing the ocular structure and nourishing the lens and cornea, which are avascular (without blood vessels).

Produced by a structure alongside the lens called the ciliary body, aqueous humor passes first into the posterior chamber of the eye and then flows forward through the pupil into the anterior chamber. It then is returned to the bloodstream through a structure called the trabecular meshwork.

This special fluid exerts pressure on the internal structures of the eye. This pressure is known as intraocular pressure. In order for the eye to remain healthy, the rate of aqueous humor production must be balanced by an equal rate of drainage from the eye. Otherwise, pressure inside the eye will increase, creating a dangerous situation that can lead to glaucoma.

 

Additional Information about Aqueous Humor

Aqueous Humor from glaucoma-eye-info.com

Production and Drainage of Aqueous Humor from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Aqueous Humor Dynamics: A Review - article by Goel M, Picciani RG, Lee RK, and Bhattacharya SK, appearing in the Open Ophthalmology Journal

 

Related Topics

Canal of Schlemm

Ciliary Body

Uveoscleral Pathway

Vitreous Chamber

Vitreous Humor

 

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