What is the primary antioxidant present in the vitreous at a higher concentration than in blood plasma?

Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, serves as the primary antioxidant in the vitreous humor and is present in significantly higher concentrations than in blood plasma. This high concentration of ascorbic acid in the vitreous is crucial for its role in protecting the eye against oxidative damage. The vitreous humor is composed mostly of water, but ascorbic acid is essential for maintaining the health of retinal cells and preventing damage from free radicals.

Additionally, ascorbic acid helps in maintaining the refractive index of the vitreous, and it plays a role in the metabolism of the eye, particularly in processes related to light exposure. Its antioxidant properties effectively neutralize harmful free radicals that can form as a result of metabolic processes and environmental exposure, ensuring the health of the ocular tissues. This specific aspect underscores the importance of ascorbic acid in ocular physiology, particularly in the context of the vitreous humor's protective functions.