ascorbic-acid and Aphakia--Postcataract

Serum, aqueous humour, and lens ascorbic acid levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography in cataract-, closed-angle glaucoma-, and aphakic patients. The total number of 108 patients were subdivided into different groups. In several groups the pre-operative serum and aqueous amounts were tested, whereafter patients in some groups were loaded with ascorbic acid orally. Finally, a second test was performed on samples taken during operation. It turned out that the ascorbic acid concentration mechanism in cataractous eyes needed more than 12 h for maximum reaction on the loading stimulus. The slow reaction is surprising compared to other species, and it may reflect an affection of the secretory process itself in this disease.

Topics: Aged; Aphakia, Postcataract; Aqueous Humor; Ascorbic Acid; Cataract; Cataract Extraction; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Female; Glaucoma; Humans; Lens, Crystalline; Male; Middle Aged; Time Factors