Vitamin C concentration of Aqueous humor in senile Cataract

Abstract

Background: Oxidative agents like ultraviolet are one of the important cause of cataract and vitamin C is an important water soluble antioxidant agent in the aqueous humor. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of vitamin C in the aqueous and plasma of patients with senile cataract. Methods: In a descriptive cross- sectional study on 85 patients (41 men and 44 women) admitted for cataract surgery, aqueous (0.2 ml) and blood (5ml) were sampled just before operation under general anesthesia from anterior chamber and vein, respectively. Spectrophotometer measured the concentration of vitamin C in both samples. Results: The mean age was 64.3±11.1 years. Aqueous and plasma concentration of vitamin C was 4.29± 1.11 mg/dl and 0.77±0.0332 mg/dl, respectively. The differences were statistical significant (P≈0). Vitamin C of aqueous were equal in both sexes, but vitamin C of plasma in women were higher than men (P= 0.043). The concentration of vitamin C showed no relation to the type of cataract. Conclusions: Vitamin C of aqueous and plasma in senile cataract are lower than normal. More study is recommended for evaluating preventive effect of high vitamin C diets or supplements. Key words: Senile Cataract, Vitamin C, Aqueous, Plasma