How long can donor sclera be safely stored?
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether after prolonged storage of sclera in glycerin, there is any bacteriologic contamination that will reactivate, whether reconstituted sclera retains its tensile strength, and whether sclera retains its microstructural integrity.


METHODS
Sixty-six scleral shells stored in glycerin for 9 to 19 years, as well as 11 controls stored for 6 months to 4 years, were studied by cutting a small wedge of tissue from the anterior margin of each and directly inoculating into thioglycolate broth, cutting an equatorial ring and determining its break strength using a tensiometer, and cutting a small piece from the remaining posterior portion and examining by scanning electron microscopy.


RESULTS
After such prolonged storage, bacteriologic contamination was not detected, tensile strength generally increased with increasing duration of storage, and ultrastructural integrity was maintained on scanning electron microscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that storage of scleral shells can be safely prolonged; we hope this can facilitate an increased supply of donated sclera to patients and surgeons.
Romanchuk
K G
KG
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. romanchukk@sdh.sk.ca
Nair
P
P
Grahn
B
B
D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011309:Preservation, Biological; D012590:Sclera / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013997:Time Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors