Copper and zinc metabolism in high myopic patients with retinal detachment evaluation of the Cu/Zn ratio.

ABSTRACT

In a previous work abnormalities in the copper and zinc metabolism in high myopic patients were found. Primary Retinal Detachment is a common complication of High Myopia. In order to establish further their relationship, a study of the metabolism of these metals was performed in myopic patients with Retinal Detachment. A significant high copper and zinc concentration in the urine of these patients was found. An inverse ratio of copper and zinc between their concentration in the subretinal fluid and their concentration in serum was present as well. The significance of these findings and their connection to the Retinal Pigment Epithelium is discussed.