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Abstract
Light-induced avian glaucoma is characterized by eye enlargement, high intraocular pressure (IOP), low outflow facility (C), and reduced aqueous space volume. In this study we have identified several lesions occurring in the early pathologic process, from five to 28 days of age. At seven days, comeal lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) is low and aqueous LDH is high. By 28 days, aqueous LDH is 3.5 times normal levels and corneal LDH is reduced by 10 per cent. By nine days, aqueous space volume is reduced, and eye enlargement is evident by three weeks. IOP and C remain normal during this period, although C is later impaired (at six weeks) and homeostatic control of IOP breaks down at approximately 16 weeks. Though the primary cause(s) for the dimensional changes in cornea and vitreous body have not been identified, the difference in the time of their appearance indicates that these two lesions may be independent of one another. The corneal LDH change suggests early alteration in endothelial permeability, allowing excessive enzyme loss to the aqueous humor.