Electron microscopy of ocular tissue

The electron microscope reveals structures not otherwise discernible and may thus contribute to our knowledge of anatomic detail and physiologic process. This exhibit presents the results of a preliminary survey of portions of four tissues of the eye: the trabeculae, choroid, iris, and cornea. Trabeculae It is probable that the trabecular meshwork is the site of changes responsible for open-angle glaucoma. Figure 1 shows a montage of that portion of the trabecular meshwork adjacent to Schlemm's canal. The inner wall of Schlemm's canal is lined with endothelial cells, many of which appear to have giant cytoplasmic vacuoles. The adjacent meshwork is composed of trabecular bands, loosely arranged to form intercommunicating spaces. The endothelial cells covering the bands show cytoplasmic degenerative changes, probably as a result of poor fixation. 1 In Figure 2, the trabecular meshwork has been cut to expose longitudinal sections of the central collagen core. The exposure