What is the role of aqueous humor in the eye?

The role of aqueous humor in the eye is primarily to maintain intraocular pressure. Aqueous humor is a clear fluid found in the anterior chamber of the eye, which is the space between the cornea and the lens. This fluid is constantly produced by the ciliary body and serves several essential functions related to eye health and function.

One of the key roles of aqueous humor is to provide a stable intraocular pressure that helps maintain the shape of the eyeball. This pressure is crucial because it supports the eye's structure, ensuring that the retina remains properly positioned against the back of the eye. If the pressure is too low, it could lead to a collapsed eye structure, and if it is too high, it could result in conditions like glaucoma, which can cause damage to the optic nerve.

In addition to pressure maintenance, aqueous humor also delivers nutrients to the avascular structures of the eye, such as the lens and cornea, and helps remove metabolic waste. However, its primary function in maintaining intraocular pressure is critical for overall eye health and vision.