Serial endothelial-cell-density and corneal-thickness measurements in corneas preserved in Optisol GS
Melville M. Martires, MD, Santiago Antonio B. Sibayan, MD, PhD, Ma. Elizabeth T. Concepcion, MD, Ma. Dominga B. Padilla, MD
Objective
This study determined the daily rate of change of endothelial-cell density (ECD) and corneal thickness (CT) in donor eyes stored in Optisol GS cornealstorage medium. Correlation between ECD and CT was also determined.
Methods
Twenty-eight corneas from 15 donors (mean age, 38 ± 13.78 years; range, 4 to 78 years) were harvested and preserved in Optisol GS. The corneas were serially examined for ECD and CT using a Konan keratoanalyzer. Readings were performed upon harvest and then daily on the first to fourth postharvest days. Statistical analyses included student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation.
Results
There were no statistically significant changes in ECD compared with baseline (all p values > 0.05) up to the fourth postharvest day. There were statistically significant decreases in CT in all readings compared with baseline (all p values < 0.05). There was a weak negative relationship between CT and ECD (r = –0.15).
Conclusions
ECD appeared to be stable in donor corneas stored for up to 4 days in Optisol GS. The corneas also became significantly thinner. Definite correlation between CT and ECD could not be established.
Keywords: Optisol GS, Corneal endothelial-cell density, Corneal thickness