Review Article

Lymphatics and Lymphangiogenesis in the Eye

Figure 1

Distribution of lymphatics in the eye. Immunological staining with lymphatic specific markers as well as histological examinations has revealed the distribution of lymphatic vessels in the eye. Conjunctiva is well known to possess lymphatics. Cornea limbus, ciliary body, lacrimal gland, orbital meninges and extraocular muscle also contain lymphatic vessels, and choroid might have lymphatic-like system. Cornea, retina, and optic nerve do not show lymphatics. Intraocular lymphatic can be observed only in the ciliary body. (A), (B), and (C) show the details of corneal limbal area, angulus iridocornealis, and optic nerve, respectively. Red indicates lymphatic vessels.
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