Study on Morphology and Function of the Drainage Area of the Eye of Man

In meridional sections, the anterior chamber angle is characterised by the width of the entrance into the angle, the shape of the apex, the configuration of the angle recess, and the position of the anterior part of the ciliary body. There are considerable variations in the morphology of the canal of Schlemm. The most important characteristics of the canal include the position of the sinus as regards the apex of the anterior chamber angle, the width of its lumen, and the inclination of the canal of Schlemm towards the anterior chamber. The meridional portion of the ciliary body usually reaches the scleral spur. However, in some eyes the posterior attachment of the ciliary muscle is located behind the scleral spur. In some presumably normal eyes, a partial blockage of the lumen of the Schlemm's canal was observed. Blockage was achieved experimentally on isolated eyes of man by increasing the pressure in the anterior chamber. The anterior position of the Schlemm's canal, the narrow scleral spur, and the posterior attachment of the ciliary muscle may be considered anatomical predispositions to blockage of the Schlemm's canal and the intertrabecular spaces.