Pressure-Sensitive Aqueous Humor Outflow Pathway

The pressure-sensitive aqueous humor outflow pathway refers primarily to the conventional (trabecular) outflow route in the eye, which is responsible for maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) by regulating the drainage of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber. This pathway, comprised of the trabecular meshwork (TM) including the juxtacanalicular connective tissue (JCT), Schlemm’s canal, and collector channels, is highly responsive to changes in IOP and adjusts resistance accordingly to maintain homeostasis. Impaired function or increased resistance within this pathway leads directly to elevated IOP—a major risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Many current glaucoma therapies target either increasing trabecular outflow facility or reducing its resistance.

Other names

Conventional Outflow PathwayTrabecular Outflow PathwayPressure-dependent Outflow Pathway

Increase trabecular outflow facility, Reduce outflow resistance