Oxygen Distribution in the Rabbit Eye and Oxygen Consumption by the Lens

Abstract

Intraocular oxygen is mostly derived from the retinal and iris vasculature and by diffusion across the cornea. Freshly secreted aqueous humor and the aqueous humor in the anterior chamber angle are relatively depleted of oxygen. The marked increase in oxygen consumption that occurs when the lens is exposed to increased oxygen is likely to result in the production of higher levels of reactive oxygen species and may provide a link between elevated oxygen levels and the risk of nuclear cataracts.