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.
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.
Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, No 23, Paydarfard-Boostan 9th St, Pasdaran Avenue, 1666663111, Tehran, Iran, mrezaie47@yahoo.com.
Mozhgan Rezaei
MR
Kanavi
Mohammad Ali
MA
Javadi
Fatemeh
F
Javadi
Tahereh
T
Chamani
D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D003886:Descemet Membrane / Q000601:surgery*; D057111:Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty / Q000379:methods; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000601:surgery*; D005125:Eye Banks; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D014019:Tissue Donors