What does "Aqueous Humor" mean?

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Aqueous humor is a clear fluid found in the front part of the eye, between the cornea and the lens. It plays a key role in maintaining the eye's shape and providing nutrients to the eye's tissues. This fluid helps keep the intraocular pressure (IOP) stable, which is important for good eye health.

The production of aqueous humor happens in a part of the eye called the ciliary body. From there, it flows into the anterior chamber, which is the space in front of the lens. After nourishing the eye, the fluid drains out through small channels, helping to regulate pressure inside the eye.

Healthy levels of aqueous humor are crucial because too much can lead to increased pressure, which is a risk factor for conditions like glaucoma. Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and affect vision.

Understanding how aqueous humor works is important for developing techniques to measure IOP and monitor eye health.