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Vitamin C levels in human tears.

C A Paterson, M C O'Rourke

Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)

|March 1, 1987

Summary

Human tears contain vitamin C (ascorbic acid), with levels varying based on tear flow. Even in reflex tears, vitamin C concentrations remain higher than in plasma, suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory role.

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Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Nutritional Science
Biochemistry

Background:

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a vital antioxidant with known anti-inflammatory properties.
The presence and concentration of ascorbic acid in human tears have not been extensively studied.
Understanding tear composition is crucial for diagnosing and managing ocular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify vitamin C (ascorbic acid) levels in human basal and reflex tears.
To investigate the relationship between tear flow rate and ascorbic acid concentration.
To compare ascorbic acid levels in tears with those in plasma.

Main Methods:

Human tears were collected using the Schirmer strip method.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to analyze ascorbic acid concentrations.
Reflex tears were induced via brief ammonia inhalation for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

Basal tear ascorbic acid levels ranged from 3.9 to 23 mg/dL, inversely correlating with tear flow rate.
Reflex tear ascorbic acid levels decreased significantly, reaching a minimum of approximately 2 mg/dL.
Ascorbic acid levels in both basal and reflex tears were consistently higher than plasma levels.

Conclusions:

Human tears contain significant levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Tear ascorbic acid concentration is influenced by tear flow rate and stimulation.
The elevated ascorbic acid in tears suggests a potential localized anti-inflammatory function within the eye.

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