[The effect of lipoic acid on the components of the glutathione system in the lacrimal fluid of patients with open-angle glaucoma].

Nonprotein SH groups and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were detected in the lacrimal fluid of patients with open-angle glaucoma and senile cataract and in controls (in 82 and 100% of the examinees, respectively). In stage II glaucoma SH group level was found reduced vs. that in stage I or control. Intake of lipoic acid by patients with stage II glaucoma resulted in a reliable increase of lacrimal SH group level. Measurements of lacrimal fluid nonprotein SH groups may be used to monitor antioxidant therapy of patients with open-angle glaucoma.