{"id":2632,"date":"2026-02-26T19:59:03","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T19:59:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.besteyehospitals.com\/blog\/trabecular-meshwork-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/"},"modified":"2026-02-26T19:59:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T19:59:03","slug":"trabecular-meshwork-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.besteyehospitals.com\/blog\/trabecular-meshwork-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"trabecular meshwork: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">trabecular meshwork Introduction (What it is)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The trabecular meshwork is a tiny drainage tissue inside the front of the eye.<br\/>\nIt helps fluid leave the eye to maintain normal eye pressure.<br\/>\nIt sits at the eye\u2019s \u201cdrain\u201d where the cornea and iris meet.<br\/>\nIt is commonly discussed in glaucoma exams and treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why trabecular meshwork used (Purpose \/ benefits)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The trabecular meshwork is not a device or medication\u2014it is a normal part of eye anatomy that clinicians evaluate and often target in glaucoma care. Its main importance is its role in controlling <strong>intraocular pressure (IOP)<\/strong>, which is the pressure inside the eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The eye constantly makes a clear fluid called <strong>aqueous humor<\/strong>. This fluid nourishes internal tissues and maintains the eye\u2019s shape. Most aqueous humor exits through the eye\u2019s primary drainage route, which passes through the trabecular meshwork and then into a circular channel called <strong>Schlemm\u2019s canal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In many forms of <strong>glaucoma<\/strong> (a group of conditions associated with damage to the optic nerve), resistance to fluid outflow can increase\u2014often at or near the trabecular meshwork. When outflow is reduced, IOP may rise or become more variable. Because IOP is one of the key modifiable factors in glaucoma management, the trabecular meshwork becomes central to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Diagnosis and risk assessment<\/strong> (examining the eye\u2019s drainage angle and outflow structures)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Treatment planning<\/strong> (choosing medicines, laser, or surgery that improve fluid outflow)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Therapeutic intervention<\/strong> (procedures that enhance or bypass trabecular outflow)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Potential benefits of focusing on trabecular meshwork function include better understanding of why IOP is elevated, more tailored treatment choices (based on anatomy), and, in some cases, the ability to reduce IOP with laser or surgical approaches directed at the eye\u2019s natural drainage pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Indications (When ophthalmologists or optometrists use it)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Clinicians consider the trabecular meshwork during evaluation or treatment in scenarios such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assessment of <strong>glaucoma suspect<\/strong> findings (e.g., optic nerve appearance, IOP concerns)<\/li>\n<li>Work-up and monitoring of <strong>primary open-angle glaucoma<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Evaluation of the <strong>anterior chamber angle<\/strong> using gonioscopy (the exam used to view the drainage angle)<\/li>\n<li>Distinguishing <strong>open-angle<\/strong> from <strong>angle-closure<\/strong> mechanisms<\/li>\n<li>Considering <strong>laser trabeculoplasty<\/strong> to improve outflow through the trabecular meshwork<\/li>\n<li>Planning <strong>angle-based glaucoma surgery<\/strong> (often grouped under minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, or MIGS)<\/li>\n<li>Evaluating secondary glaucomas where the drainage system may be affected (examples include pigment-related or pseudoexfoliative processes)<\/li>\n<li>Postoperative or follow-up assessment when IOP control depends on outflow pathway function<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contraindications \/ when it\u2019s NOT ideal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the trabecular meshwork is anatomy, it is always present, but <strong>certain tests or treatments that rely on it<\/strong> may be less suitable in some situations. In broad terms, trabecular meshwork\u2013targeted approaches may be less ideal when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>drainage angle is closed or very narrow<\/strong>, limiting access or visibility to the trabecular meshwork (approach varies by clinician and case)<\/li>\n<li>There is significant <strong>scarring or structural damage<\/strong> in the angle that reduces the chance of success for outflow-enhancing procedures<\/li>\n<li><strong>Active eye inflammation<\/strong> is present, where timing and approach may need adjustment (varies by clinician and case)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Neovascularization<\/strong> (abnormal new blood vessels) involves the angle, which can change anatomy and outflow behavior (varies by clinician and case)<\/li>\n<li>The primary problem is thought to be <strong>beyond the trabecular meshwork<\/strong> (for example, downstream blockage in Schlemm\u2019s canal or collector channels), which may shift procedural choices<\/li>\n<li>A patient\u2019s glaucoma is advanced enough that clinicians may prefer <strong>more pressure-lowering options<\/strong> than trabecular meshwork\u2013based interventions typically provide (varies by clinician and case)<\/li>\n<li>The cornea or other optical factors make visualization difficult, affecting angle exams or angle-based surgery (varies by clinician and case)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In these contexts, clinicians may consider different strategies such as medication changes, lens-based procedures when appropriate, or filtering\/tube surgeries that do not rely primarily on trabecular outflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How it works (Mechanism \/ physiology)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The basic physiologic role<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The trabecular meshwork acts like a <strong>porous filter and regulator<\/strong> for aqueous humor outflow. Aqueous humor is produced behind the iris, flows through the pupil into the <strong>anterior chamber<\/strong> (the space between the cornea and iris), and then drains mainly through the <strong>iridocorneal angle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At this angle, aqueous humor passes through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Trabecular meshwork<\/strong> (the \u201csieve-like\u201d tissue)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Schlemm\u2019s canal<\/strong> (a circular channel that collects fluid)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Collector channels and episcleral veins<\/strong> (pathways that return fluid to the bloodstream)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The trabecular meshwork is not just a passive screen. Its cells and extracellular matrix can influence <strong>outflow resistance<\/strong>, and this resistance is a major determinant of IOP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relevant anatomy (simplified)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Clinicians often describe the trabecular meshwork region in layers\/regions, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Uveal meshwork<\/strong> (closest to the anterior chamber)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Corneoscleral meshwork<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Juxtacanalicular tissue<\/strong> (near Schlemm\u2019s canal; often important in outflow resistance)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other nearby structures that matter clinically include the <strong>scleral spur<\/strong>, <strong>ciliary body band<\/strong>, and <strong>iris root<\/strong>, all of which help clinicians orient themselves during gonioscopy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Onset, duration, and reversibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The trabecular meshwork itself is permanent anatomy, so \u201conset and duration\u201d do not apply in the way they would for a drug. Instead, these timing concepts apply to <strong>interventions that target the trabecular meshwork<\/strong>, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Laser trabeculoplasty<\/strong>, which may take time to reach full effect and can vary in durability<\/li>\n<li><strong>Angle-based surgeries<\/strong>, which aim to improve access to or flow through the trabecular pathway and may have outcomes that change over time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>How long a given intervention works can vary by clinician and case, underlying glaucoma type, and how the outflow system changes with aging or disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">trabecular meshwork Procedure overview (How it\u2019s applied)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The trabecular meshwork is not a single procedure. Clinicians \u201cuse\u201d it by <strong>examining it<\/strong> and, when appropriate, <strong>treating the outflow pathway<\/strong> that includes it. A high-level workflow commonly looks like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Evaluation \/ exam<\/strong>\n   &#8211; History and risk review (symptoms, family history, medications)\n   &#8211; IOP measurement and optic nerve assessment\n   &#8211; Visual field testing and optic nerve imaging when indicated\n   &#8211; <strong>Gonioscopy<\/strong> to view the anterior chamber angle and assess trabecular meshwork visibility and angle configuration<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Preparation<\/strong>\n   &#8211; Discussion of goals (typically IOP control and glaucoma risk management)\n   &#8211; Selection of approach (monitoring, medication, laser, or surgery), based on anatomy and disease factors<br\/>\n   &#8211; If a procedure is planned, standard pre-procedure checks and consent processes (details vary by setting)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Intervention \/ testing<\/strong>\n   &#8211; <strong>Diagnostic use:<\/strong> gonioscopy, anterior segment imaging, and documentation of angle findings<br\/>\n   &#8211; <strong>Therapeutic use:<\/strong> options may include laser trabeculoplasty or angle-based surgical procedures that act on the trabecular meshwork region (choice varies by clinician and case)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Immediate checks<\/strong>\n   &#8211; Post-test or post-procedure IOP checks when appropriate\n   &#8211; Short-term monitoring for inflammation or pressure spikes (protocol varies)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Follow-up<\/strong>\n   &#8211; Scheduled visits to measure IOP and assess optic nerve\/visual field stability\n   &#8211; Adjustment of therapies depending on response and tolerance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types \/ variations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the trabecular meshwork is anatomy, \u201ctypes\u201d can mean either <strong>anatomic subdivisions<\/strong> or <strong>clinical ways it is assessed\/targeted<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Anatomic variations and descriptors (clinical relevance)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Degree of angle openness:<\/strong> wide open, narrow, or closed (important for access to the trabecular meshwork)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pigmentation of the trabecular meshwork:<\/strong> can be more or less pronounced; may influence diagnosis and laser selection (varies by clinician and case)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Age- and disease-related changes:<\/strong> tissue stiffness, extracellular matrix changes, or secondary deposits can affect outflow (general concept; degree varies)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diagnostic approaches involving the trabecular meshwork<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gonioscopy:<\/strong> primary clinical method to directly assess the angle and trabecular meshwork<\/li>\n<li><strong>Anterior segment OCT (optical coherence tomography):<\/strong> imaging that can help assess angle configuration (does not replace gonioscopy in many practices; use varies)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM):<\/strong> ultrasound imaging useful in certain complex angle cases (use varies)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Therapeutic approaches that target trabecular outflow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Laser trabeculoplasty<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)<\/strong> and <strong>argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT)<\/strong> are commonly discussed categories<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Some practices may use other laser approaches depending on equipment and protocols (varies by clinician and case)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Angle-based glaucoma surgery (often categorized as MIGS)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trabecular bypass<\/strong> approaches (micro-bypass concepts) intended to enhance flow from the anterior chamber into Schlemm\u2019s canal<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trabeculotomy\/goniotomy-type<\/strong> approaches that open or remove portions of trabecular meshwork to improve access to outflow pathways<\/li>\n<li><strong>Canal-based approaches<\/strong> (viscodilation or canaloplasty concepts) aimed at improving flow through Schlemm\u2019s canal and downstream channels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every intervention is appropriate for every glaucoma type, and expected pressure-lowering effect can vary by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Central structure for understanding <strong>IOP regulation<\/strong> and glaucoma mechanisms<\/li>\n<li>Directly observable in clinic with <strong>gonioscopy<\/strong>, supporting anatomical diagnosis<\/li>\n<li>Common target for <strong>laser<\/strong> and <strong>angle-based surgical<\/strong> strategies<\/li>\n<li>Trabecular outflow\u2013based treatments can be combined with other approaches when needed<\/li>\n<li>Offers a framework for differentiating <strong>open-angle vs angle-closure<\/strong> processes<\/li>\n<li>Supports individualized decision-making based on <strong>angle anatomy<\/strong> (varies by clinician and case)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Small, angle-based anatomy can be difficult to visualize without expertise and patient cooperation<\/li>\n<li>Outflow resistance can involve multiple sites (trabecular meshwork and beyond), so response to TM-targeted therapy can vary<\/li>\n<li>Some glaucomas involve angle changes (closure, scarring, neovascularization) that reduce the usefulness of TM-focused approaches<\/li>\n<li>Laser and surgical outcomes are not identical across patients and glaucoma subtypes (varies by clinician and case)<\/li>\n<li>The trabecular meshwork can be affected by secondary processes (pigment, deposits, inflammation), complicating evaluation<\/li>\n<li>\u201cSuccess\u201d is defined differently depending on baseline IOP, target goals, and disease stage (varies by clinician and case)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aftercare &amp; longevity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Aftercare considerations depend on whether the trabecular meshwork was <strong>examined<\/strong>, <strong>treated with laser<\/strong>, or <strong>treated surgically<\/strong>. In general, the themes are consistent across glaucoma care: monitor IOP, monitor optic nerve health, and watch for side effects or progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Factors that commonly affect longer-term outcomes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Severity and type of glaucoma:<\/strong> early vs advanced disease, open-angle vs secondary mechanisms<\/li>\n<li><strong>Angle anatomy:<\/strong> how open the angle is and how accessible\/healthy the trabecular meshwork region appears<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consistency of follow-up:<\/strong> glaucoma is typically monitored over time, and visit frequency is individualized<\/li>\n<li><strong>Medication tolerance and adherence:<\/strong> if drops are part of the plan, real-world usability can influence stability<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ocular surface health:<\/strong> dryness and irritation can affect comfort and how well patients tolerate topical therapies<\/li>\n<li><strong>Comorbid eye conditions:<\/strong> cataract, uveitis history, corneal disease, or retinal disease can alter management priorities<\/li>\n<li><strong>Choice of intervention and device design:<\/strong> for surgical options, performance can vary by technique and manufacturer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLongevity\u201d is best thought of as how long a given IOP-lowering strategy remains sufficient for that individual eye. Some people maintain stable control for long periods with minimal change, while others need stepwise adjustments over time (varies by clinician and case).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternatives \/ comparisons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the trabecular meshwork is part of the eye, alternatives are really <strong>alternative management strategies<\/strong> for controlling IOP and protecting optic nerve function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Observation\/monitoring vs active intervention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Monitoring<\/strong> may be chosen when risk is lower or findings are borderline, with periodic checks of IOP, optic nerve appearance, and visual fields.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Active treatment<\/strong> is more often considered when glaucoma is diagnosed or progression risk is higher.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medication vs laser vs surgery (high-level)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Medications (eye drops)<\/strong> often lower IOP by reducing aqueous production and\/or increasing outflow (through trabecular and\/or uveoscleral pathways). They are non-invasive but require ongoing use.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Laser trabeculoplasty<\/strong> aims to improve outflow through the trabecular meshwork region. It is performed in-office in many settings and may reduce the need for drops in some patients (degree and duration vary by clinician and case).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Angle-based surgeries (TM-focused\/MIGS)<\/strong> attempt to enhance the eye\u2019s natural drainage. They are often considered when medication\/laser is insufficient, not tolerated, or when combined with cataract surgery (practice patterns vary).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Filtering surgery (trabeculectomy) or tube shunts<\/strong> create alternative outflow pathways that do not depend primarily on the trabecular meshwork. These can achieve lower IOP in some situations but typically involve different risk\/aftercare profiles (varies by clinician and case).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cyclodestructive procedures<\/strong> reduce aqueous production by treating the ciliary body, generally considered in selected scenarios (varies by clinician and case).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A key comparison point is whether the planned approach relies on <strong>existing trabecular outflow capacity<\/strong> (laser\/MIGS) versus creating or using an <strong>alternate drainage route<\/strong> (filtering\/tube procedures).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">trabecular meshwork Common questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is the trabecular meshwork a disease or an implant?<\/strong><br\/>\nNo. The trabecular meshwork is a normal drainage tissue in the eye. It becomes clinically important because many glaucoma conditions involve reduced outflow through this pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How do clinicians check the trabecular meshwork?<\/strong><br\/>\nThe most direct clinical exam is <strong>gonioscopy<\/strong>, where a special lens allows a view of the eye\u2019s drainage angle. Imaging tests (like anterior segment OCT) may provide additional information about angle configuration, depending on the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Does examination of the trabecular meshwork hurt?<\/strong><br\/>\nA standard angle exam is typically done with anesthetic drops and is often described as pressure rather than pain. Comfort varies by individual sensitivity and the specific exam method used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: If my doctor recommends laser trabeculoplasty, is that \u201ctreating the trabecular meshwork\u201d?<\/strong><br\/>\nLaser trabeculoplasty is generally intended to improve aqueous outflow through the trabecular meshwork region. The exact way it is performed and who is a good candidate varies by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How long do trabecular meshwork\u2013targeted treatments last?<\/strong><br\/>\nThe trabecular meshwork itself does not \u201cwear out,\u201d but treatment effects from laser or surgery can change over time. Durability varies by clinician and case, glaucoma subtype, and how the drainage system responds long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Can problems in the trabecular meshwork affect vision right away?<\/strong><br\/>\nMany people with elevated IOP or early glaucoma have no immediate symptoms. Vision changes are more often associated with optic nerve damage over time, which is why monitoring can be important even when the eyes feel normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is trabecular meshwork treatment considered safe?<\/strong><br\/>\nEvery eye procedure has potential risks and benefits. In general, laser and angle-based procedures are widely used, but safety and suitability depend on anatomy, glaucoma type, and overall eye health (varies by clinician and case).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Will I be able to drive or use screens after an angle exam or treatment?<\/strong><br\/>\nAfter a routine exam, temporary blur can occur from dilating drops or gel used during testing, which may affect driving. After laser or surgery, return to normal activities depends on the specific intervention and the clinician\u2019s postoperative plan (varies by clinician and case).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What does trabecular meshwork pigmentation mean?<\/strong><br\/>\nPigmentation refers to how much pigment is seen in the trabecular meshwork during gonioscopy. It can be a normal finding or associated with certain glaucoma mechanisms, and it may influence how clinicians interpret angle health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What does it cost to evaluate or treat the trabecular meshwork?<\/strong><br\/>\nCosts vary by region, insurance coverage, facility setting, and whether the visit involves imaging, laser, or surgery. For many people, the largest cost differences relate to procedure type and follow-up needs rather than the angle exam itself.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The trabecular meshwork is a tiny drainage tissue inside the front of the eye. It helps fluid leave the eye to maintain normal eye pressure. It sits at the eye\u2019s \u201cdrain\u201d where the cornea and iris meet. It is commonly discussed in glaucoma exams and treatments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2632","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>trabecular meshwork: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Eye Hospitals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.besteyehospitals.com\/blog\/trabecular-meshwork-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"trabecular meshwork: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Eye Hospitals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The trabecular meshwork is a tiny drainage tissue inside the front of the eye. It helps fluid leave the eye to maintain normal eye pressure. It sits at the eye\u2019s \u201cdrain\u201d where the cornea and iris meet. 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