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Electron microscopy of the trabecular meshwork in eyes with exfoliation syndrome (pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule)

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Summary

The trabecular meshwork of three human eyes involved with the exfoliation syndrome were studied. The intraocular tension in the eyes represented successive stages. Exfoliation material was found in all three eyes: In Eye 1 (no glaucoma) only in intertrabecular spaces, in Eyes 2 and 3 also within trabecular beams and in the juxtacanalicular tissue. In addition, abnormal basement membranes were revealed. In Eye 3 (uncontrollable glaucoma), the disorganized trabecular meshwork contained increased amounts of connective tissue elements as well as small vessels. The concept is advanced that the accumulation of exfoliation material in the meshwork impedes aqueous outflow and thus is a pathogenetic factor of importance in glaucoma capsulare.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University Eye Department, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway

    Amund Ringvold

  2. Anatomical Institute, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Torgeir Vegge

Authors
  1. Amund Ringvold
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  2. Torgeir Vegge
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Ringvold, A., Vegge, T. Electron microscopy of the trabecular meshwork in eyes with exfoliation syndrome (pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule). Virchows Arch. Abt. A Path. Anat. 353, 110–127 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00548971

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