What fills the space between the cornea and the iris?

The correct response is based on the anatomy of the eye, specifically the arrangement of its various fluids. Aqueous humor fills the space between the cornea and the iris, which is known as the anterior chamber of the eye. This clear fluid is crucial for maintaining intraocular pressure, providing nutrients to the avascular structures of the eye, and eliminating metabolic wastes.

In contrast, vitreous humor is a gel-like substance that occupies the larger posterior segment of the eye, situated behind the lens, and does not fill the space between the cornea and the iris. Subretinal fluid relates to fluid that can accumulate under the retina, typically in conditions involving retinal detachment and is not present in the anterior chamber. Lacrimal fluid refers to the tears produced by the lacrimal glands, which function primarily to lubricate the surface of the eye and does not occupy the space between the cornea and iris. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role of aqueous humor in eye function and health.