[A theory on the role of immunologic factors in the pathogenesis of primary glaucoma]

Basing on the literature data and their own clinical, immunomorphologic, and immunochemical findings in glaucoma patients and normal subjects, the authors suggest a concept on the immune factor contribution to the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma. According to the scheme they suggest, of primary importance in the development of autoimmune reactions in glaucoma are the following factors: changed antigenic specificity of the drainage zone tissues, resultant from involution processes; impaired immune homeostasis, effects of various internal and environmental factors. The pathogenetic role of autoimmune reactions and immunity system regulatory mechanism disorders is explained.