{"id":19842,"date":"2021-11-03T10:32:50","date_gmt":"2021-11-03T10:32:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=19842"},"modified":"2021-11-03T10:32:50","modified_gmt":"2021-11-03T10:32:50","slug":"why-is-there-excess-fluid-in-my-eye","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-health\/why-is-there-excess-fluid-in-my-eye\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is There Excess Fluid in My Eye?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Excess fluid inside the eye can lead to sight-threatening eye diseases\u2014 making early diagnosis absolutely vital.\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Collagen, water and protein are the primary materials that make up the eye \u2014 but sometimes, a surplus of fluid can accumulate inside the eye, increasing the risk of serious eye diseases.<\/p>\n

Increased fluid inside the eye leads to serious conditions including glaucoma<\/a> and macular edema<\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n

Why is there fluid inside the eye?<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are two different types of fluid that are found inside the eye:<\/p>\n

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  1. Retinal blood vessels <\/b>are thin and fragile blood vessels that supply the essential oxygen and nutrients to the nerves in the back of the eye. These nerves carry the visual signals from the eyes to the brain.<\/li>\n
  2. Aqueous humor<\/b> is a watery, transparent fluid that fills the anterior space between the cornea in the front of the eye and the structures in the middle of the eye. The aqueous humor delivers fresh oxygen to the cornea and removes its waste products by flowing out the eye into the veins at the back of the eye.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Excess fluid of either type can lead to serious sight-threatening eye conditions, making prompt diagnosis and treatment crucial<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    Which conditions are caused by excess fluid?<\/b><\/h2>\n

    A range of eye conditions can be caused by excess fluid inside the eye, including:<\/p>\n