Angle Structures

The area in the anterior chamber where the cornea and iris join is known as the angle. This is comprised of several structures that make up the eye's drainage system. The angle structures include: the outermost part of the iris, the front of the ciliary body, the trabecular meshwork, and the Canal of Schlemm.

Aqueous is formed in the ciliary body behind the iris. It flows through the pupillary space into the anterior chamber. From there, the fluid travels into the angle structures and drains from the eye.

As the aqueous fluid leaves the angle, it passes through a filter called the trabecular meshwork. After leaving the trabecular meshwork, the aqueous travels through a tiny channel in the sclera called the Canal of Schlemm. The aqueous flows into other tiny channels and eventually into the eye's blood vessels.

The production and drainage of aqueous fluid determines the eye's intraocular pressure (IOP).