Topic outline

  • Anterior Chamber

    Introduction:


    The anterior chamber is the region between the cornea and the iris. To let light into the eye a number of ocular structures need to be transparent. This poses a problem because important things like blood vessels are not transparent.

    To meet the metabolic needs of the structures in the anterior chamber, the ciliary body produces aqueous humor. This fluid is constantly being produced, and thus it must be constantly drained so that pressures do not build within the anterior chamber.

    The anterior chamber angle is the structure responsible for draining the aqueous humor.

    In this module we'll first look at the segmental divisions of the eye. We will consider the anatomy of the structures contained within these segments and we will discuss the mechanism by which fluid is drained via the anterior chamber angle.

    Next we will visit one of the most important types of ophthalmic pathology, Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disorder of increased intraocular pressure. Structural problems in the anterior chamber are often responsible for causing obstructions which prevent drainage of aqueous and lead to Glaucoma.

    We'll also learn about the main treatment approaches used in Glaucoma.

    Because Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the developed world it's important that we learn to recognize the signs and symptoms early on so we can help patients before this debilitating condition has progressed too far.

    Issue Date: 08/01/2020