Glaucoma: New culprit found by researchers

Endothelial cells in Schlemm's canal -- important for draining fluid from the eye -- are stiffer in eyes with glaucoma than those in healthy eyes, a multi-institution team of researchers has found in a unique study of human ocular cells. The resulting increased flow resistance is responsible for the elevated pressure associated with glaucoma. Therapeutic strategies that alter the stiffness of these cells could lead to a cure for this debilitating disease.