Serial endothelial-cell-density and corneal-thickness measurements in corneas preserved in Optisol GS

Abstract

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 corneal storage 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.