Aqueous Humour

Aqueous humour, produced by the ciliary body in the posterior chamber, flows into the anterior chamber through the narrow gap between the iris and lens. It is absorbed through the trabecular meshwork into a venous sinus known as the canal of Schlemm.

Intraocular pressure is maintained by a constant cycle of production and absorption of aqueous humour. Obstruction of aqueous humour flow by closure of the gap between the lens and iris and/or blockage of the trabecular meshwork raises intraocular pressure. In the acute situation this may precipitate acute angle closure glaucoma.