Oxidant/antioxidant balance in the aqueous humor of patients with glaucoma

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and the oxidative stress index (OSI) of the aqueous humor (AH) in patients with glaucoma. METHODS: The prospective study was composed of a study group (n=31) and a control group (a=31). Fifteen patients in the study group were diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), and 16 patients were diagnosed with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG). The control group was composed of non -glaucomatous patients with cataracts. AH samples were collected and analyzed for TAS, TOS, and OSI levels. RESULTS: Mean AH TAS level was significantly higher in patients with glaucoma than that in the control group (P<0.01). Mean TOS and OSI levels tended to increase in patients with glaucoma. No significant differences in TAS, TOS, or OSI levels were observed between patients with POAG and PEG. CONCLUSION: High levels of TAS were observed in patients with glaucoma, which was likely a response to the increased oxidative stress observed in these patients.