Electron microscopic studies on the trabecular meshwork in two cases of corticosteroid-glaucoma

Two young patients without family history or indication of glaucoma had used corticoid eye drops for several years and developed a severe corticosteroid glaucoma leading to microsurgery. The specimens obtained by trabeculectomy were studied by electron microscopy. A marked densification of the cribriform and adjacent area of the trabecular mesh work by masses of an amorphous and fibrous material was found in both eases, but to a different extent. No free aqueous pathways were seen in this area. In contrast to various signs of cell degeneration, many trabecular endothelial cells showed an increased number of mitochondria and an enlarged endoplasmic reticulum indicating a stage of higher activity and protein synthesis. Possible mechanisms leading to these pathological changes were discussed, but no definite conclusions could be drawn from these two cases alone.