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Re‐examination of organ‐cultured, cryopreserved human corneal grafts after 27 years
Author(s) -
Corydon Charlotte,
Hjortdal Jesper,
Ehlers Niels
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2008.01204.x
Subject(s) - cryopreservation , ophthalmology , visual acuity , cornea , medicine , corneal transplant , hexagonal crystal system , anatomy , surgery , andrology , corneal transplantation , biology , chemistry , embryo , microbiology and biotechnology , crystallography
. Purpose: 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. Conclusion: 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.