Q: How is the aqueous humor produced?
A: The aqueous humor is constantly secreted by the ciliary body
around the lens, so there is a continuous flow of the humor from the lens area to the eye's
front chamber. The aqueous humor is kept at constant pressure by a compensating leakage
in the angle between the outer rim of the iris and the back of the cornea.
Q: What is the function of the aqueous humor?
A: The aqueous humor carries nutrients and facilitates the exchange
of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in the cornea and other tissues of the eyeball that have
no blood supply.
Q: What disorders may affect the aqueous humor?
A: Disturbances of the drainage mechanism that maintains a constant
fluid pressure in the aqueous humor may cause an increase in the pressure, a condition called
glaucoma.
Q: How is the vitreous humor produced?
A: The vitreous humor is present from birth and remains virtually
unchanged throughout an individual's life.
Q: What disorders may affect the vitreous humor?
A: Specks may occur in the vitreous humor caused by the degeneration
of its cells with age. This is a normal occurrence. The presence of specks does not noticeably
impair vision. Occasionally, a hemorrhage into the vitreous humor may occur, usually caused by
an injury. A hemorrhage may also occur in diabetes mellitus. A hemorrhage may be serious and an
ophthalmologist should be consulted.
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