NEOVASCULAR TISSUE IN THE INTERTRABECULAR SPACES IN EYES WITH NEOVASCULAR GLAUCOMA

Aims/background - To investigate histological changes in the trabecula r meshwork in eyes with neovascular glaucoma. Methods - Light and elec tron microscopic studies were carried out on the trabecular meshwork o f three enucleated eyes with neovascular glaucoma. The presence and di stribution of factor VIII in the trabecular meshwork was assessed usin g the ABC method. Results - Peripheral anterior synechiae covering the trabecular meshwork were detected in two eyes, which would explain th e rise in intraocular pressure. In the third the angle was not complet ely closed by peripheral anterior synechiae. The spaces between the tr abecular beams were lined by a single layer of vascular endothelium, a nd were filled with red blood cells in this patient. Factor Vm was pos itively stained in the endothelial cells, lining both these spaces and Schlemm's canal. A basal lamina and microfibrils were detected just b eneath the newly formed vascular endothelial cells. Conclusion - The n eovascular tissue found in the trabecular spaces might be one of the f actors responsible for intraocular pressure elevation in eyes with neo vascular glaucoma.