Mathematical Models of Aqueous Production, Flow and Drainage

Abstract

The aqueous humour (AH) is a transparent fluid with water-like properties that fills the anterior chamber (AC, the region between the cornea and the iris) and the posterior chamber (PC, the region between the iris and the lens) of the eye, which are connected at the pupil. AH is produced at ciliary processes, and it flows from the PC to the AC, where it is drained in the trabecular meshwork. AH flow is important physiologically, as it governs intraocular pressure and delivers nutrients to avascular ocular tissues. Disruption of AH flow may lead to multiple pathological conditions, such as glaucoma and nutrient depletion. Studying aqueous production, flow and drainage is thus relevant to understand eye physiology and pathophysiology. Mathematical modelling has proven to be a very useful tool for studying AH, as it allows one to understand the mechanisms of the flow by studying them separately. In this chapter we outline the mathematical models of AH production, different AH flow mechanisms and drainage, subsequently. We focus on analytical works and briefly mention the main conclusions of numerical ones.