Trabecular meshwork

trabecular meshwork

The trabecular meshwork is a tiny, sponge-like structure located at the front of the eye that helps drain the clear fluid called aqueous humor. By allowing this fluid to flow out into a circular channel and ultimately into the bloodstream, it plays a central role in maintaining normal pressure inside the eye. When the meshwork becomes clogged, stiff, or less efficient because of age, genetics, inflammation, or other stresses, fluid can build up and intraocular pressure may rise. Elevated pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss. The meshwork’s health depends on living cells and a balanced extracellular framework, so researchers study how those components change with aging and disease. Many treatments for high eye pressure aim to improve outflow through the meshwork, relax its tissues, or bypass it with tiny surgical devices. Newer medicines and minimally invasive procedures try to lower pressure while preserving the meshwork’s structure and function. Understanding this structure matters because maintaining proper fluid drainage is one of the main ways to protect the optic nerve and safeguard long-term vision.