Several authors have over a long period supported the idea that the pathological changes in the optic nerve and the eyeball of glaucomatous patients are correlated with vascular changes. Lagrange and Beauvieux (1925) have been the main advocates of this theory and have demonstrated evident pathological changes in the vessels of eyes with elevated tension. Duke-Elder (1954) also has maintained that an ischemic factor, such as sclerosis of the arterioles of the optic nerve, is responsible for the cavernous degeneration of the optic nerve. Wolff (1951) expressed a similar opinion by invoking a reduction of arterial circulation at the level of the disc, the optic nerve, and the retina.
The vascular state of glaucomatous eyes has been the subject of histological, clinical, and experimental investigations.
1. Histological Investigations
In 1928 Elschnig wrote that a reduction of the number of capillaries is the main criterion for differentiating glaucomatous atrophy from other