|
Angle Structures
The area in the anterior chamber
where the cornea and iris join is known as the angle. This is comprised of
several structures that make up the eye's drainage system. The angle
structures include: the outermost part of the iris, the front of the
ciliary body, the trabecular meshwork, and the Canal of Schlemm.
Aqueous is formed in the ciliary
body behind the iris. It flows through the pupillary space into the
anterior chamber. From there, the fluid travels into the angle structures
and drains from the eye.
As the aqueous fluid leaves the
angle, it passes through a filter called the trabecular meshwork. After
leaving the trabecular meshwork, the aqueous travels through a tiny channel in
the sclera called the Canal of Schlemm. The aqueous flows into other tiny
channels and eventually into the eye's blood vessels.
The production and drainage of
aqueous fluid determines the eye's intraocular pressure
(IOP).
|