Resumo

MARTIN PERERA, Yoanner et al. Trabecular physiology and open angle glaucoma. Rev Cubana Oftalmol [online]. 2012, vol.25, suppl.1, pp. 458-466. ISSN 0864-2176.

Glaucoma is one of the most common eye diseases worldwide, but usually the problem lies in the evacuation of aqueous humor at the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal. A literature review was made about the main mechanisms involved in the trabecular function: the phagocytic capacity of trabecular cells, the regulation of the extracellular matrix composition, the contraction-relaxation of trabecular cells and the changes in their volume and shape. A better understanding of the trabecular physiology and the pathophysiology of glaucoma will allow better disease management and development of new drugs that have as their target the trabecular pathway in a selective way and that avoid the side effects associated with the use of nonspecific drugs.

Palavras-chave : glaucoma; trabecular physiology; pathophysiology.