Aqueous humour is the clear, watery fluid that fills the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye. It is secreted by the ciliary processes into the posterior chamber, flows through the pupil into the anterior chamber and drains out at the iridocorneal angle. It is replaced roughly every 90-100 minutes.
| Location | Anterior and posterior chambers of the eye, between the cornea and the lens |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Production modulated by autonomic fibres to the ciliary body |
| Blood Supply | Formed from plasma filtered by the ciliary process capillaries (long posterior and anterior ciliary arteries) |
Nourishes the avascular cornea and lens, removes their waste and maintains intraocular pressure so the eye keeps its shape.
Intraocular pressure depends on the balance between aqueous production and outflow, so reduced drainage leads to glaucoma. Most aqueous leaves through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, with a smaller share through the uveoscleral route, which prostaglandin drops increase. Cells and protein (flare) floating in the aqueous are the slit-lamp signs of anterior uveitis.
Raised eye pressure without optic nerve damage. It increases the risk of developing glaucoma and is monitored or treated.
A layer of white cells settling in the lower anterior chamber within the aqueous, a sign of severe inflammation or infection inside the eye.
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