[Endothelialization of the anterior chamber: clinical aspects and histopathology (author's transl)].

Out of 1800 enucleated globes histologically examined at Hamburg University Department of Ophthalmology there was endothelialization of the anterior chamber in 77. In all these cases secondary angle closure was also found. Proliferation of endothelial cells is triggered by peripheral anterio synechiae, mechanical irritation of the cornea, and/or damage to the endothelium caused by inflammation of the anterior segment. The histological picture correlated with the whitish-grey membrane seen gonioscopically covering the angle recess and the anterior iris surface. Surgery of the ciliary body appears to be the only effective procedure.