Oxygen Distribution in the Human Eye: Relevance to the Etiology of Open-Angle Glaucoma after Vitrectomy

Abstract

Oxygen metabolism by the lens and cornea establishes oxygen gradients in the anterior segment. Vitrectomy and cataract surgery increase pO(2) in the anterior chamber angle, potentially damaging trabecular meshwork cells. We propose that oxygen levels in the anterior chamber angle are strongly influenced by oxygen derived from the ciliary body circulation.