Abstract:

The elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open-angle glaucoma(POAG) is due to an increased resistance to the outflow of aqueous humor, which is the primary determinant of IOP. It remains to be explored the precise underlying mechanism how to manipulate IOP via regulating aqueous humor flow through inner wall of Schlemm's canal(SC). However it is well accepted that aqueous humor passes through the pores and vacuoles of the inner wall endothelium, and finally enters SC. The funneling model illustrates that the major outflow resistance of aqueous humor, regulated by the pores and vacuoles of endothelium, is located at the inner wall endothelium and juxtacanalicular connective tissue(JCT). Increased aqueous humor outflow resistance in POAG is due to impairment of pore formation on endothelium of SC, resulting in elevated IOP. The aim of the current review is to introduce the most updated concept in biomechanics of endothelium of SC regulating aqueous humor flow resistance.  (Int Rev Ophthalmol,  2016,  40:     81-85)