Anterior chamber
Camera anterior bulbi
Also known as: AC, iridocorneal angle
The aqueous-filled space between the posterior surface of the cornea and the anterior surface of the iris and lens, with the drainage (iridocorneal) angle at its periphery.
Overview
The anterior chamber is ≈3 mm deep centrally (shallower in hyperopes and with age as the lens thickens) and contains ≈0.25 mL of aqueous humour. Its periphery — the iridocorneal angle — contains the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, through which most aqueous leaves the eye.
Convection currents (warmer near the iris, cooler near the cornea) circulate the aqueous, so cells and pigment settle in a vertical line on the corneal endothelium (Krukenberg spindle in pigment dispersion) and debris settles inferiorly. Its depth and angle width are assessed with a slit lamp (van Herick technique), gonioscopy or anterior-segment OCT.
- Location
Between the cornea anteriorly and the iris and pupillary part of the lens posteriorly; bounded peripherally by the iridocorneal angle.
Function
- Contain aqueous humour that nourishes the cornea and lens
- Provide the drainage pathway (iridocorneal angle) for aqueous outflow
Clinical significance
Hyphaema and hypopyon
Hyphaema: blood layering in the anterior chamber after blunt trauma — risk of raised IOP and corneal blood staining. Hypopyon: a fluid level of white cells, seen in severe keratitis, endophthalmitis or HLA-B27 / Behçet uveitis.
Shallow anterior chamber
Predisposes to angle-closure glaucoma; pupil-dilating drops should be used with caution in eyes with narrow angles.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Special Senses sources. For education only; not medical advice.