[The glaucoma in heterochromic cyclitis Fuchs. Gonioscopic studies and electron microscopic investigations of the trabecular meshwork (author's transl)].

Seven patients suffering from heterochromic cyclitis Fuchs had been investigated by gonioscopy after paracentesis of the anterior chamber. Independent to previous intraocular pressure and tonographical results parts or all of the canal of Schlemm were filled with blood, followed by haemorrhage into the trabecular meshwork on several sites and bleeding into the anterior chamber. Three of the patients were operated on because of a chronic secundary glaucoma and the dissected trabecular meshwork was investigated by electron microscopy. Atrophy of the inner--and outer wall of the canal of Schlemm as well as missing of the endothelium of the trabecular meshwork was to be observed. Discussing the gonioscopical observations and electron-microscopical results the glaucoma in heterochromic cyclitis Fuchs seems to be caused by a collapse of the canal of Schlemm and not by increasing resistance in trabecular meshwork by sclerosis or hyaline membranes.