[Biochemical, structural and biomechanical features of human scleral matrix in primary open-angle glaucoma]

The goal of the investigation was to study the changes of scleral matrix collagen in progressing primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). In scleral samples of 16 patients aged 52-81 years with different stages of POAG amino acid composition, collagen content and cross-linking ratio characterizing tissue rigidity were estimated. Collagen I was found to be the dominant type in sclera of glaucomatous and normal eyes, though as POAG progressing the content and cross-linking increase, that underlies the scleral rigidity increase and permeability decrease. Similar ratio of collagen cross-linking with age and glaucoma progression give evidence of specific pathologic changes of the dominant matrix component, that may be one of significant pathogenic factor of POAG.