Oxygen consumption of the superior cornea following eyelid closure

Oxygen depletion curves were recorded from the superior and central cornea with a micropolarographic system immediately following eyelid closure in 10 adult human subjects. Superior corneal oxygen uptake rates for the closed-eye state ranged from 13% below to 58% above, with a mean 15% greater than equivalent central corneal oxygen uptake rates. Chronic superior corneal hypoxia induced by upper eyelid coverage when the eyes are open is therefore accompanied by a deeper hypoxia relative to the central cornea of some individuals when their eyes are closed. This hypoxia adds to the physiological compromise endured by the superior cornea and is especially emphasized when contact lenses are worn.