Evaluation of vitamin C concentration of aqueous humor in senile cataract

Senile cataract is one of the most important preventable causes of blindness. Oxidative agents like ultraviolet [UV] are one of the most important causes of cataract. Vitamin C is an important water soluble antioxidant agent in the aqueous humor. In a cross-sectional study, 85 patients admitted to Rah-Ahan Eye Hospital for cataract surgery were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 64.3 +/- 1.2 yr of the 85 patients, 41 were men and 44 were women. Under general anesthesia 0.2 cc of aqueous humor from anterior chamber and 5 cc of peripheral blood were taken just before operation. Concentration of vitamin C was measured in these samples and the data was analyzed by SPSS statistical program. Mean concentration of vitamin C was 4.29 +/- 0.12 mg/dl [mean +/- SE] in the aqueous and 0.77 +/- 0.036 mg/dL in the plasma. The differences were statistically significant when compared with normal values. P 0.000 in both conditions. Vitamin C concentrations of aqueous humor were equal in both sexes, but vitamin C concentrations of plasma in women were higher than men [p=0.043]. The concentration of vitamin C was not related to the type of cataract or job of patients. Since vitamin C concentration of aqueous humor and plasma in senile cataract are lower than normal, it is better to advise fresh vegetables and fruits or other supplements to patients who are at risk of senile cataract