Intralamellar membranes were implanted into rabbit corneas. After 1 and 3 weeks the cornea stromas were frozen in vivo. Anterior and posterior parts were then analyzed for glucose and hydration. The results showed significant glucose and hydration gradients from posterior to anterior in the normal cornea. The intralamellar membranes caused dehydration and reduction in the glucose content of the stroma anterior to it. This indicated that a lack of nutrition to the anterior cornea might be a factor in the development and persistence of complications in front of corneal fluid barriers.