[Etiopathogenetic problems in primary open-angle glaucoma]

The authoress discusses the contemporary opinions on the genetically conditioned predisposition to primary open angle glaucoma, histopathological changes in the structures responsible for the increase of the resistance of the outflow and on the mechanism of their formation. The pathogenesis of glaucomatous neuropathy is considered in the view of the damage caused by a direct compression of the nervous fibres and their chronic ischaemia. Both these mechanisms have an influence on the transport of axoplasma, the obstruction of which leads to atrophic changes of the nervous fibres and of the ganglion cells of the retina. The place of the primary lesion of these elements is considered.