Oxygen Tension in the Aqueous Humor of Human Eyes under Different Oxygenation Conditions

PURPOSE To measure oxygen tension in the aqueous humor of human eyes under different oxygenation conditions. METHODS This prospective comparative interventional case series consisted of two parts. In the first part, 120 consecutive patients scheduled for cataract surgery were randomized into group I (control group) in which surgery was performed under local anesthesia inhaling 21% oxygen; group II in whom general anesthesia using 50% oxygen was employed; and group III receiving general anesthesia with 100% oxygen. After aspirating 0.2 ml aqueous humor under sterile conditions, the aqueous sample and a simultaneously drawn arterial blood sample were immediately analyzed using a blood gas analyzer. In part II the same procedures were performed in 10 patients after fitting a contact lens and patching the eye for 20 minutes (group IV) and in 10 patients after transcorneal delivery of oxygen at a flow rate of 5 L/min (group V). RESULTS Mean aqueous PO2 in groups I, II and III was 112.3±6.2, 141.1±20.4, and 170.1±27 mmHg, respectively (P values <0.001) and mean arterial PO2 was 85.7±7.9, 184.6±46, and379.1±75.9 mmHg, respectively (P values <0.001). Aqueous PO2 was 77.2±9.2 mmHg in group IV and 152.3±10.9 mmHg in group V (P values <0.001). There was a significant correlation between aqueous and blood PO2 (r=0.537, P<0.001). The contribution of atmospheric oxygen to aqueous PO2 was 23.7%. CONCLUSION Aqueous oxygen tension is mostly dependent on the systemic circulation and in part on the atmosphere. Increasing inspiratory oxygen and transcorneal oxygen delivery both increase aqueous PO2 levels.