What is the role of aqueous humor in the eye?

The role of aqueous humor in the eye is primarily to maintain intraocular pressure. This clear fluid is produced by the ciliary body and fills the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye, which helps to keep the eye's shape and allows for proper functioning of the optical components. The pressure maintained by the aqueous humor is essential for the eye's structural integrity and contributes to the overall health of the eye, playing a crucial part in ensuring that the cornea remains properly shaped and that the lens can function effectively.

In addition to maintaining intraocular pressure, aqueous humor also provides nutrients to the avascular structures of the eye, such as the cornea and lens, and helps remove metabolic wastes. While it may have indirect benefits related to visual acuity and defense against infection, those are not its primary functions.