Opthalmology

Unit 1: Sudden Loss of Vision

3: Acute angle-closure glaucoma

 

Anatomy

anatomy of the eye

Anatomy of the eye

Source: Main image adapted from CC licensed 'Drawing of the Eye', National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health (cropped and rotated, labelled, and overlaid with 'Fluid flow', National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health).


A clear fluid flows continuously in and out of the anterior chamber and nourishes nearby tissues. The fluid leaves the chamber at the open angle where the cornea and iris meet. When the fluid reaches the angle, it flows through a spongy meshwork and leaves the eye.

Anatomy of the eye showing fluid flow

Source: Drawing of the Eye. Credit: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health. CC-BY-2.0

Physiology

Aqueous production and drainage is balanced to maintain an appropriate intraocular pressure. Aqueous humor is produced by the ciliary body in the posterior chamber. It circulates to the anterior chamber, through the pupil, and leaves the eye through the trabecular meshwork.