Solubility effects on corneal oxygen measurement.

Various membrane materials have been attached to oxygen sensors during measurement of corneal oxygen uptake. Differences in the oxygen solubility characteristics of these membranes directly affect resulting flux values. Human corneal epithelial oxygen uptake values were obtained using an oxygen sensor in conjunction with polyethylene, Teflon, and polypropylene membranes attached to its tip. Conversion coefficients were calculated to relate findings obtained with each membrane-sensor system. New solubility constants were derived for polyethylene, Teflon, and polypropylene based on previous findings obtained with a saline (hydrophilic lens) membrane reservoir.