Silmänesteen

Silmänesteen, also known as aqueous humor, is a transparent fluid found in the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye. It is a clear, watery fluid that fills the space between the cornea and the lens. This fluid is continuously produced by the ciliary body, a structure located behind the iris.

The primary functions of silmänesteen are to nourish the avascular structures of the eye, such as the cornea and the lens, and to maintain intraocular pressure. It provides oxygen and nutrients to these tissues and removes waste products. The stable intraocular pressure maintained by the silmänesteen is crucial for the proper shape of the eyeball and for the correct functioning of the optic nerve.

Silmänesteen circulates within the eye. It is produced in the posterior chamber, flows through the pupil into the anterior chamber, and is then drained by the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal, located at the angle where the iris meets the cornea. Any imbalance in the production or drainage of silmänesteen can lead to increased intraocular pressure, a condition known as glaucoma. Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if left untreated. Regular eye examinations are important for monitoring intraocular pressure and detecting potential issues with silmänesteen production and drainage.