Chamber Angle Anomalies in Systemic Connective Tissue Disorders

Abstract

In descriptions of the chamber angle of normal eyes, i.e., of eyes free from glaucoma, inflammatory conditions, and gross developmental anomalies, certain features are included which are considered to be normal variants. Among them are variations in appearance and insertion of the root of the iris, iris processes, bridging pectinate fibers, variations in the appearance of the surface of the ciliary body band, and prominence of the ring of Schwalbe. For example, François^1,2 has reported how frequently he has encountered these different features in his series of normal eyes. In general, they are of no obvious significance with respect to the functioning of the eyes. This is the justification for considering them to be normal variants. But the label "normal variant" does not tell us in itself anything about their nature and origin. No attempt has been made thus far to explain their presence in, or absence from, the