Ultrastructural changes of the trabecular meshwork of the monkey (Macaca speciosa) following irradiation with argon laser light.

An attempt to elucidate the mechanism of the pressure-lowering effect after treatment of the chamber angle according to Wise and Witter with argon laser light is presented. The ultrastructural effects upon the trabecular meshwork of four Macaca speciosa monkeys were analyzed at planned intervals by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The ultrastructural effects of the treatment are strongly dependent on the site of the laser burns. Whereas burns delivered to the anterior part of the meshwork are tightly sealed by a monocellular layer of atypical corneoendothelial cells, this mechanism is less marked when delivered more posteriorly.