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Glutathione in Ocular Tissue
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All cells require glutathione, which protects cellular function and integrity by detoxifying free oxide radicals.
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Glutathione levels diminish with old age, when the evidence of cataract surgery is great. Diminished glutathione levels in the human lens are a known factor in cataract formation.
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Ophthalmic surgery is a source of increased oxidative stress to ocular tissue, i.e., microscope light, tissue incision and ultrasonic energy.
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Ocular tissue is highly sensitive to depletion of cellular glutathione levels. For non-regenerative cells that comprise the corneal endothelium, depletion of cellular glutathione can result in programmed cell death (apoptosis).
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Intracellular levels of glutathione (reduced GSH) are directly influenced by the presence of extracellular glutathione (oxidized GSSG). Maintaining extracellular glutathione levels can prevent apoptosis.
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The oxidative form of glutathione (GSSG) in BSS PLUS is transformed and incorporated into the cellular (GSH) pool in the cornea, iris ciliary body, retina, and choroid.1
1Data on file taken from in vivo animal studies. Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
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