[An ultrastructural study on human retina with late glaucoma].
OBJECTIVE
To study the pathologic changes of retina in glaucoma.


METHODS
Retinas from 6 cases with absolute glaucoma were observed by transmission electron microscope.


RESULTS
It was found that the nerve fiber layer was significantly thin and the axons were severely damaged even lost; the ganglion cells nearly disappeared and a number of cell-like bodies were seen instead; the nerve cells of the outer and inner nuclear layers were degenerated, decreased in number, and disorderly arranged; the outer segments of the cone and rod cells became degenerative and edematous.


CONCLUSIONS
In advanced glaucoma the degeneration and atrophy of the ganglion cells and their nerve axons were the major pathologic changes of the retina that lead to the permanent damage of visual function.
Sun
F
F
Department of Ophthalmology, Third Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang.
Zhang
X
X
Bian
X
X
D005260:Female; D015812:Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012160:Retina / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012374:Rod Cell Outer Segment / Q000648:ultrastructure