The effect of vitamin A and cortisone on ascorbic acid content in the aqueous humor.

Thus, it can be concluded from our observations that the effect of cortisone drops in reducing the concentration of ascorbic acid in the aqueous humor can be neutralized by simultaneous administration of vitamin A drops. This observation has an important clinical bearing, as ophthalmologists have hesitated to use cortisone locally for a long time for fear that it may either precipitate glaucoma or cataract (most probably because of the subsequent lowering of ascorbic acid concentration in the aqueous humor and lens). Our finding that with the administration of vitamin A drops along with cortisone drops there is no significant lowering of the ascorbic acid level in the aqueous humor indicates that one can use cortisone drops without being afraid of precipitating glaucoma or cataract.