Rings and nodules on trabecular fibers caused by collapse of the trabecular network?

Abstract

Peculiar nodular and ring-shaped thickenings of uveal trabecular fibers in a normal human eye (Figs. 4 and 5) were described in 1960 (Wolter 1 ). These nodules and rings were at that time thought to be the result of a release of tension that is normally exerted on the elastic trabeculum by the ciliary muscle. The uveal trabecular fibers are known to be composed of a central collagen core which is surrounded by the so-called clear zone. This clear zone appears structureless under the microscope and is covered by the trabecular endothelium. The arrangement of microfibrils in the core is in the same direction as the whole fiber (longitudinal), while submicroscopic fibrils of the clear zone spiral around the core. 2 Thus, it seemed that contraction or compression of the elastic trabecular fibers could well result in regular thickening of the central core and irregular piling-up of the clear zone with