Physiology

Condensed Ocular Biochemistry

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StructureSodiumPotassiumOther
Corneal epithelium
Low
70 mmol/L
High
140 mmol/L
 
Corneal stroma
High
170 mmol/L
Low
20 mmol/L
 
AqueousLow (slightly)Similar
99% water
High chloride
High lactate
High ascorbate
Low bicarbonate
Low glucose
Low calcium
Low protein
Lens
Low
20 mmol/L
High
25 mmol/L
High glutathione
66% water
Low chloride
Low glucose
VitreousHigh (slightly)SimilarNB: same as aqueous
CSFSimilarSimilar (slightly lower)
High chloride
High hydrogen ions
Low protein
Low calcium
Low glucose
compared to serum

Glycosaminoglycans

  • Long chains of disaccharides
  • Form proteoglycans when combined with proteins
  • Hyaluronic acid predominates in the vitreous
  • Keratan sulphate predominates in the cornea

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Glycosaminoglycans