Purpose: To compare the ascorbic acid concentration and total antioxidant capacity in the aqueous humor of pigmented Rex rabbits after sham operation (control), iridectomy, and trabeculectomy.
Methods: Pigmented Rex rabbits were divided into control, iridectomy, and trabeculectomy groups and followed up for 12 months after surgery. Ascorbic acid concentration and total antioxidant capacity in the aqueous humor, intraocular pressure, and the occurrence of cataracts were examined in each group.
Results: The ascorbic acid concentration and total antioxidant capacity after iridectomy and trabeculectomy were significantly lower at one week and at one, six, and 12 months after operation than those in the control group (P ≤ 0.03). Ascorbic acid concentration was positively and significantly correlated with total antioxidant capacity in the aqueous humor (P < 0.01). Compared to the control and the iridectomy groups, intraocular pressure in the trabeculectomy group was significantly lower at one week and at one and six months after surgery (one week: P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively; one month: P < 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively; six months: P = 0.03). Histological findings in the iridectomy and trabeculectomy groups included the appearance of vacuoles in the lens at six and 12 months after surgery.
Conclusions: Iridectomy causes a sustained decrease in ascorbic acid concentration, followed by a long-term decrease in the total antioxidant capacity within the aqueous humor.
Translational relevance: The animal model possibly predicts the vulnerability focusing on the antioxidant level in the anterior chamber environment after trabeculectomy and iridectomy per se in clinical settings.