In Vivo Measurements of Oxygen Tension in the Cornea, Aqueous Humor, and Anterior Lens of the Open Eye

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Abstract

Measurements of oxygen profiles across the cornea, aqueous humor, and anterior lens differed from previously calculated values. The aqueous humor oxygen tension in paiticular also differed from previously measured values, being approximately 20 mm. Hg higher. Reasons for these differences are discussed. The tissue oxygen gradients measured confirm the high QO₂ of lenticular and corneal epithelium and corneal endothelium. The steady state PO₂ in stroma and anterior nucleus reflects the low QO₂ of these tissues. The profiles reaffirm the atmospheric source of oxygen to the corneal epithelium and stroma of the open eye and suggest that the corneal endothelium and anterior lens are completely nourished by the aqueous humor oxygen.