Re-examination of organ-cultured, cryopreserved human corneal grafts after 27 years.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the long-term fate of cryopreserved corneas. Review of 17 organ-cultered cryopreserved corneas grafted in 1978-1979.


METHODS
We measured visual acuity and refraction and performed biomicroscopy, applanation tonometry and optical pachometri (CCT). Endothelial photos were taken, cells were counted and morphology was studied.


RESULTS
Four of 16 grafted corneas were still clear after 27 years. Mean CCT was 0.52 mm, endothelial cell density was 882 cells/mm(2) and visual acuity was 0.25 or better with an average of 0.6 in the four patients. Cell morphology showed irregularity in shape and size.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that cryopreserved endothelium can function as well as non-frozen corneas and that a regular hexagonal pattern is not essential for corneal clarity. The four grafts showed long-term durability despite the irregularity in shape and size.
Department of Ophthalmology, Arhus University Hospital, Denmark. cco@dadlnet.dk
Charlotte
C
Corydon
Jesper
J
Hjortdal
Niels
N
Ehlers
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002452:Cell Count; D048430:Cell Shape; D048429:Cell Size; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D015925:Cryopreservation; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors; D019737:Transplants; D014792:Visual Acuity; D055815:Young Adult