The pore density in the inner wall endothelium of Schlemm's canal of glaucomatous eyes.

Abstract

Inner wall pores are reduced in glaucomatous eyes. If pores are physiological structures, the elevated intraocular pressure characteristic of glaucoma may be explained by decreased porosity of the inner wall endothelium. Both border and intracellular pores seem to be induced in a similar fashion by fixation. The unlikely possibility that all inner wall pores are fixation-induced cannot be excluded. If so, a fundamental reassessment of the mechanism by which aqueous humor crosses the inner wall endothelium is necessary.