J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2001 Jun;42(6):898-902.

Morphologic Changes of Anterior Chamber Angle and Trabecular Meshwork According to Embryonic Age in Human Fetal Eyes

• Youn JW
• Ko MK
• Chi JG

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the morphologic changes of anterior chamber angle and trabecular meshwork during development in human fetal eyes, 77 eyes was enrolled in this study.
METHODS
The sequential development of iridocorneal angle and trabecular meshwork were examined using light microscopy in 77 eyes with a gestational age ranged from 7 to 40 weeks.
RESULTS
It was found that the presence of openings in the anterior chamber angle lining and aqueous humor drainage was effective by 20~22 weeks of fetal life and intercellular gaps become larger and more frequent as development progresses. During the gestational age(28~30 week), the anterior ahamber was located at the middle of the trabecular meshwork. During the gestational age(32~38 week), the intertra-becular space was widen with the apparent presence of the Schlemm's canal.
CONCLUSIONS
The arrest or abnormal differetiation during the gestational period may cause the dysfunction of aqueous humor outflow, to develop congenital glaucoma.

Keyword

Congenital glaucoma; Fetus; Iridocorneal angle; Development; Trabecular meshwork

MeSH Terms

Anterior Chamber*
Aqueous Humor
Drainage
Fetus
Gestational Age
Glaucoma
Humans*
Microscopy
Trabecular Meshwork*