Aqueous outflow

aqueous outflow

Aqueous outflow refers to the way clear fluid inside the front part of the eye drains out to keep eye pressure balanced. The eye constantly makes this fluid, called aqueous humor, and it needs to leave by flowing through specialized drainage pathways so pressure inside the eye stays within a healthy range. If the outflow becomes too slow or blocked, fluid builds up and intraocular pressure rises, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to glaucoma, a condition that can cause vision loss. There are two main routes for this fluid to leave the eye: a conventional pathway that passes through a sponge-like meshwork and a canal, and an alternate pathway that filters fluid through tissue around the eye. Treatments for high eye pressure often focus on improving outflow or reducing fluid production, using medicines, laser procedures, or surgery to restore balance. Researchers and doctors pay close attention to outflow mechanics because small changes can have big effects on eye health and long-term vision. Understanding how and why fluid drains from the eye helps explain how glaucoma develops and guides options to protect eyesight.