Corticosteroid glaucoma

Abstract

The non-depolymerised mucopolysaccharides of the anterior chamber angle can become hydrated. This biological oedema can obstruct the trabcculae, but the physiological liberation of catabolic enzymes from the lysosomes depolymerises the mucopolysaccharides and prevent this obstruction. This is, on the contrary, facilited by the corticosteroids, which reinforce the lysosomal membranes and impede the liberation of the catabolic enzymes. There are clones of goniocytes which are corticosensitive and other which are not. Depending upon the predominace of the one or the other, the cortisone test will be positive or negative.