Effect of oxygen on aqueous humor dynamics in rabbits

A study was made in albino rabbits of the effect on aqueous humor dynamics of 100% oxygen, administered by face mask. A mean decrease in intraocular pressure of 4.9 mm Hg was found. This was accompanied by a decrease in episcleral venous pressure of 4.5 mm Hg. Anterior chamber aqueous humor flow decreased transiently after oxygen administration but returned to pre-oxygen levels after about 60 min. It was concluded that the sustained decrease in intraocular pressure which was caused by oxygen was secondary to the decrease in episcleral venous pressure and not to a decrease in the production of aqueous humor.