Oxygen uptake profile of the human cornea

Abstract

A polarographic oxygen sensor was used to measure corneal oxygen uptake (COU) centrally and 4mm proximally at nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior locations on 10 human subjects. The mean COU rates (±SEM) were 6.23 ± 0.25, 6.27 ± 0.40, 6.26 ± 0.35, 5.99 ± 0.29 and 6.26 ± 0.37 ml/cm2/h, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between any of these measurements, thus confirming earlier predictions based on a rabbit eye model. The importance of retracting the eyelids for a prolonged period (5 min) prior to obtaining measurements of COU at the superior corneal site is demonstrated. This data provides a topographical baseline reference of COU, and has implications with respect to the monitoring of corneal disease and the design of contact lenses.