Aqueous humor drainage describes the flow and removal of aqueous humor, a clear fluid located in the anterior portion of the eye. This fluid plays an essential role in ocular physiology. First, it helps maintain intraocular pressure. In addition, it provides nutrients to avascular structures such as the cornea and the lens.
Aqueous humor is produced by the ciliary bodies, which are located behind the iris. These specialized tissues continuously secrete the fluid. Afterward, the aqueous humor flows into the posterior chamber of the eye and passes through the pupil into the anterior chamber.
Within the anterior chamber, the fluid circulates between the cornea and the iris. In this way, it delivers nutrients and removes metabolic waste from ocular tissues. This process is essential for maintaining corneal transparency and proper lens function.
The next step in the pathway is the drainage of aqueous humor. Primarily, the fluid exits through the trabecular meshwork, a filtering structure located at the angle between the cornea and the iris. From there, the fluid enters the canal of Schlemm, a circular channel that surrounds the corneal base.
After passing through the canal of Schlemm, the aqueous humor moves into the venous drainage system of the eye. Finally, the fluid joins the general bloodstream.
This continuous cycle of production and drainage maintains the balance of intraocular pressure. When the drainage system functions normally, eye pressure remains stable. However, if the outflow of aqueous humor is reduced or blocked, intraocular pressure may increase.
Elevated intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve. As a result, this condition is associated with diseases such as glaucoma, one of the leading causes of vision loss.
Therefore, understanding aqueous humor drainage is essential in ophthalmology. This knowledge helps explain the balance of ocular fluids and supports the diagnosis of pressure-related eye disorders.