Trabecular meshwork aging

trabecular meshwork aging

The trabecular meshwork is a spongy tissue near the front of the eye that helps drain fluid and keep eye pressure stable. Aging causes this tissue to change: its cells can die off, the supporting matrix can stiffen, and debris can build up, all of which make it harder for fluid to drain. When drainage slows, pressure inside the eye can rise, and that higher pressure is a major risk for vision-damaging conditions. These age-related changes are driven by things like oxidative stress, inflammation, and reduced ability of cells to clear waste. Because the trabecular meshwork plays a key role in controlling eye pressure, its decline directly affects the chance of developing pressure-related eye disease. Scientists are exploring ways to slow or reverse these changes with drugs, lifestyle measures, or procedures that improve drainage. Some treatments aim to refresh the cells, reduce stiffness in the tissue, or remove blockages to restore normal flow. Paying attention to how this tissue ages helps explain why certain eye conditions become more common with time and points to ways we might prevent or treat them. Protecting or restoring the meshwork function can help keep eye pressure healthy and protect long-term vision.