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The aqueous humor is a fluid at the front of the eye which helps to maintain the shape of the eye. Light also passes through this fluid on its way to the retina.
The part of the eye where the aqueous humor is located is called the anterior chamber. It is bounded at the front by the cornea and at the back by the lens. The shape of the cornea, size of the lens, and overall size of the eye determine the size of this chamber.
Aqueous is produced in the ciliary body. It drains out of the eye through an area called the trabecular meshwork. If problems with the trabecular meshwork prevent adequate drainage, the pressure inside the eye builds. This high pressure can damage the optic nerve, resulting in loss of night vision and peripheral vision. Peripheral vision is what allows a person to see things which are not directly in front of him. The condition resulting from high pressure when the aqueous does not drain out of the eye is called glaucoma. Small eyes may be at risk for glaucoma, as well as eyes affected by other conditions.
Once this kind of damage has occurred, it is not correctable. However, early detection and treatment of glaucoma can result in preservation of remaining vision.
For more information about glaucoma and its treatment, please visit the glaucoma links library.
Sarah J. Blake is a freelance writer who has published many articles online and in print about visual impairment and related issues. She also writes about other health topics, disability issues, and inspirational and devotional topics. To see more of her work, visit her writing portfolio.
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