Trabecular Meshwork Movement Controls Distal Valves and Chambers: New Glaucoma Medical and Surgical Targets

Abstract

Herein, we provide evidence that human regulation of aqueous outflow is by a pump-conduit system similar to that of the lymphatics. Direct observation documents pulsatile aqueous flow into Schlemm’s canal and from the canal into collector channels, intrascleral channels, aqueous veins, and episcleral veins. Pulsatile flow in vessels requires a driving force, a chamber with mobile walls and valves. We demonstrate that the trabecular meshwork acts as a deformable, mobile wall of a chamber: Schlemm’s canal. A tight linkage between the driving force of intraocular pressure and meshwork deformation causes tissue responses in milliseconds. The link provides a sensory-motor baroreceptor-like function, providing maintenance of a homeostatic setpoint. The ocular pulse causes meshwork motion oscillations around the setpoint. We document valves entering and exiting the canal using real-time direct observation with a microscope and multiple additional modalities. Our laboratory-based high-resolution SD-OCT platform quantifies valve lumen opening and closing within milliseconds synchronously with meshwork motion; meshwork tissue stiffens, and movement slows in glaucoma tissue. Our novel PhS-OCT system measures nanometer-level motion synchronous with the ocular pulse in human subjects. Movement decreases in glaucoma patients. Our model is robust because it anchors laboratory studies to direct observation of physical reality in humans with glaucoma.