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Recent Developments in Understanding the Role of Aqueous Humor Outflow in Normal and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

  • Diagnosis and Monitoring of Glaucoma (R. Kuchtey, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the second leading cause of blindness in the world’s rapidly aging population. POAG is characterized by progressive degeneration of neural structures in the posterior segment, often associated with a concomitant elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). Changes in IOP are believed to be caused by a disruption in the normal outflow of aqueous humor (AH). This article reviews recent research associated with normal and POAG AH outflow. Novel findings elucidating biochemical and pathological changes in the ocular tissues affected in POAG are presented. Stem cell research, identification of lymphatic markers, and increased use of mouse models give researchers exciting new tools to understand AH outflow, changes associated with POAG, and identify underlying causes of the disease.

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  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Cheryl R. Hann & Michael P. Fautsch

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  1. Cheryl R. Hann
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  2. Michael P. Fautsch
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Correspondence to Michael P. Fautsch.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Diagnosis and Monitoring of Glaucoma.

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Hann, C.R., Fautsch, M.P. Recent Developments in Understanding the Role of Aqueous Humor Outflow in Normal and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. Curr Ophthalmol Rep 3, 67–73 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-015-0072-x

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