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pH dependence of corneal oxygen consumption
1Vision Science Group and the Morton D. Sarver Center for Cornea and Contact Lens Research, University of California, School of Optometry, Berkeley, USA.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|December 18, 1998
Summary
Contact lens wear causes corneal acidosis, increasing oxygen consumption. This heightened O2 demand, driven by ion transport, may worsen corneal hypoxia and complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Physiology
- Contact Lens Research
Background:
- Contact lens wear can induce corneal acidosis.
- Understanding the impact of acidosis on corneal metabolism is crucial for preventing complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if corneal acidosis alters corneal oxygen consumption (QO2).
- To determine if increased ion transport activity contributes to altered QO2 during acidosis.
Main Methods:
- Corneal oxygen consumption (QO2) was measured in rabbit corneas using phosphorescence quenching.
- QO2 was assessed at various pH levels (7.5, 6.7, 7.1, 7.3) and in the presence of ion transport inhibitors (amiloride, ouabain).
Main Results:
- Corneal acidosis significantly increased oxygen consumption in a dose-dependent manner.
- Inhibitors of Na+/H+ exchange and Na+/K+-ATPase partially blocked the acidosis-induced increase in QO2.
Conclusions:
- Corneal acidosis elevates corneal oxygen consumption, partly due to activated pH regulatory mechanisms.
- Contact lens-induced acidosis can exacerbate corneal hypoxia, potentially leading to complications.