Shallow Anterior Chambers

The part of your eye between your iris (the coloured part of your eye) and your cornea (front of your eye) is a liquid filled space called the anterior chamber. The liquid (called aqueous) flows along the back of your iris, through your pupil (the dark centre of your eye) and into your anterior chamber.

The angle of the anterior chamber can vary. Most people have what is called an “open angle” meaning the aqueous can flow freely through the chamber.

In some people the chamber may be narrow or blocked. This could be caused by trauma (injury), occur as they age or it could be something they had from birth.

Blocking or any restriction of aqueous may cause an increase in pressure within your eye. Left untreated this pressure can damage your optic nerve resulting in reduced vision. This condition is called glaucoma.

Shallow anterior chambers and glaucoma can only be diagnosed the treated by a trained ophthalmologist. Caught in the early stages glaucoma can be controlled using eye drops. That’s why it is important to have regular eye tests.