The Concentration of Ascorbic acid in Vitreous of Macular Hole Patients

Chin, Hee Seung; Kwon, Oh Weong

Abstract

The concentration of ascorbic acid in human aqueous is greater than that of blood. The function of ascorbic acid in aqueous humor is an antioxidant which contributes in absorption of ultraviolet and protection of ocular tissue from free radical damage. Ascorbic acid is also found in vitreous and the concentration is very high in human. However the function is yet not verified. The purpose of this study is to measure the ascorbic acid concentration of vitreous in macular hole patients. Seven patients who underwent trans pars plana vitrectomy for macular hole were selected and small amount of serum, aqueous humor and vitreous were taken. The concentration of ascorbic acid was measured from serum, aqueous humor and vitreous by high performance liquid chromatography. The average concentrations of ascorbic acid were 24.1 +/- 13.7 microgram/ml in serum, 144.0 +/- 34.5 microgram/ml in aqueous humor and 110.2 +/- 34.6 microgram/ml in vitreous. The concentration of ascorbic acid in vitreous was 5~6 times higher than in serum but slighly lower than in aqueous humor. In conclusion the ascorbic acid concentration of vitreous in macular hole patients was lower than normals.