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

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.