Trabecular meshwork

A part of the eye involved in draining aqueous humor

The trabecular meshwork is a crucial structure in the eye that plays a significant role in the drainage of aqueous humor, the clear fluid filling the space in the front of the eyeball between the lens and the cornea. It is located in the anterior chamber angle, where the cornea meets the iris.

Diagram of the trabecular meshwork in the eye

Anatomy

The trabecular meshwork is a spongy tissue that forms a mesh-like structure. It is situated circumferentially around the base of the cornea, near the scleral spur. The meshwork is divided into three regions: the uveal meshwork, the corneoscleral meshwork, and the juxtacanalicular tissue. Each of these regions has distinct structural and functional properties that contribute to the regulation of aqueous humor outflow.

The anterior chamber angle, showing the trabecular meshwork

Function

The primary function of the trabecular meshwork is to facilitate the drainage of aqueous humor from the eye into the Schlemm's canal, and subsequently into the bloodstream. This process is essential for maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) within a normal range. Dysfunctions in the trabecular meshwork can lead to increased IOP, which is a major risk factor for glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can cause blindness.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the trabecular meshwork can lead to various eye conditions, most notably glaucoma. In open-angle glaucoma, the trabecular meshwork becomes less efficient at draining aqueous humor, leading to increased IOP. Treatments for glaucoma often aim to improve the outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork, either through medication or surgical procedures.

3D motion parallax of the anterior chamber angle

Research and developments

Recent advances in imaging technologies, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), have allowed for more detailed visualization of the trabecular meshwork. These technologies aid in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma by providing high-resolution images of the anterior chamber angle and the trabecular meshwork.

Cross-section of the anterior chamber angle using SD-OCT

Related pages

• Glaucoma
• Intraocular pressure
• Anterior chamber
• Schlemm's canal

References

• Quigley, H. A. (2011). "Glaucoma." The Lancet, 377(9774), 1367-1377.
• Johnson, M. (2006). "What controls aqueous humour outflow?" Experimental Eye Research, 82(4), 545-557.