Electrolytes in the cornea: a therapeutic challenge

  • N. F. Schrage
  • S. Flick
  • C. Redbrake
  • M. Reim
Laboratory Investigation
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:

Abstract

• Background: Reported here are the results of electrolyte measurements in different layers of 70 apparently normal human corneas. • Methods: Samples were examined by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis under calibrated conditions in a scanning electron microscope. The method allows the simultaneous quantitative analysis of, among others, sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The results are related to the dry weight of the analyzed samples. Four distinct layers, subepithelium, middle stroma, posterior stroma and Descemet's membrane, were analysed in each cornea. • Results: In the middle stroma we found concentrations of: sodium 0.609 ± 0.13, chloride 0.557 ± 0.115, potassium 0.058 ± 0.02 and phosphorus 0.038 ± 0.01 (mmol/kg dry weight). • Conclusion: The collation of normal electrolyte concentrations provides reference values for future studies on changes of the corneal electrolyte composition in diseased or injured eyes. The electrolyte composition of rinsing fluids or eye drops should be adjusted to that of the corneal stroma. Phosphate buffer, for example, is not a good vehicle for topical eye treatments and should be replaced by organic buffering systems.

Keywords

Phosphorus Electrolyte Concentration Buffer System Therapeutic Challenge Electrolyte Composition 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1996

Authors and Affiliations

  • N. F. Schrage
    • 1
  • S. Flick
    • 1
  • C. Redbrake
    • 1
  • M. Reim
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of OphthalmologyRWTH AachenAachenGermany

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