The eyes are complex organs that rely on two special fluids to remain healthy and function well. The aqueous humor and vitreous humor are colorless liquids that not only provide nourishment but also help regulate pressure and maintain your eyes’ shape. Learn more about what these fluids do, where they are found, and why keeping them healthy is key to preventing eye problems.*

Understanding Eye Fluids: Aqueous and Vitreous Humors

The aqueous humor is a clear, watery fluid made continuously by the ciliary body, a structure behind the iris. It fills the front parts of the eye, known as the anterior and posterior chambers, and helps maintain proper pressure inside the eye. A balanced flow of this fluid is crucial because any imbalance can increase pressure, which is a major risk factor for glaucoma. 

In contrast, the vitreous humor is a gel-like substance that occupies most of the eye’s interior, filling the space between the lens and the retina. This substance helps the eye maintain its round shape and allows light to pass through to the retina, where images are formed. Together, these fluids are essential in delivering nutrients and removing waste, keeping the eye healthy and functioning properly.

Aqueous and Vitreous Humors: What They Are Made Of?

Both fluids are mostly water—about 98–99%—but they also contain other substances. The aqueous humor includes:

• Amino acids, 
• Electrolytes (essential minerals such as sodium and potassium), 
• Antioxidants like ascorbic acid, and 
• Immunoglobulins.  

The vitreous humor is made up of salts, sugars, proteins, collagen, and phagocytes, which help clear away debris.

Common Conditions and How to Prevent Them

Problems with these eye fluids can lead to serious conditions. For instance, an excess of aqueous humor can cause a rise in eye pressure, leading to glaucoma—a major cause of vision loss worldwide. As we age, the vitreous humor may thin and pull away from the retina, a condition known as posterior vitreous detachment. This can result in symptoms like:

• Flashes,  
• Floaters, and 
• Torn retinas. 

Other issues, such as uveitis and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), also involve changes in these fluids and can significantly affect vision. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and effective treatment of these conditions. 

To maintain healthy eye fluids, it is important to:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fruits, and fish, 
• Avoid smoking, 
• Exercise regularly, and 
• Protect your eyes with proper eyewear. 

Additionally, following simple practices like the 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes) can help reduce eye strain, especially during long periods of screen time.

*Cleveland Clinic. (2022, December 27). Aqueous Humor & Vitreous Humor. 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24611-aqueous-humor-vitreous-humor 

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