Preparation of pre-cut corneas from fresh donated whole globes for Descemet’s stripping automated keratoplasty: 3-year results at the Central Eye Bank of Iran

• DOI: 10.1007/s10561-013-9392-y
• Publication Date: 2013-08-09T07:36:30Z
• Authors: Mozhgan Rezaei Ka...; Mohammad Ali Javadi; Fatemeh Javadi; Tahereh Chamani
• Keywords: Endothelium, Corneal; Iran; Eye Banks; Tissue Donors; 3. Good health; Cornea; Corneal Transplantation; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Descemet Membrane; Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty

To describe the technique and the results of the preparation of pre-cut corneas for Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) during a 3-year period at the Central Eye Bank of Iran (CEBI). The method of preparation of pre-cut corneas from donated whole globes at the CEBI is described and the frequency and percentage of pre-cut corneas prepared for DSAEK, between April 2009 and March 2012, are specified. Moreover, post-operative reports are reviewed for any complaints about using pre-cut tissues for DSAEK. Out of the 1,518 donated whole globes appropriate for DSAEK, 1,478 (97.4 %) pre-cut corneas were successfully prepared. The method of preparation failed in 40 (2.6 %) cases. Based on the eye bank post-operative reports, thickness of pre-cut tissues for DSAEK was deemed unacceptable in only 6 (0.4 %) cases prior to surgery; five of these were too thick and one was too thin. Preparation of pre-cut corneas, for DSAEK from donated whole globes, in the CEBI is a safe and easy method, with very good preservation of endothelial cells after the preparation of the pre-cut corneas and reduced risks from corneal manipulation.