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Updated: Jul 23, 2026
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Endothelial Keratoplasty
Published on: June 12, 2012
Corneal preservation using M-K medium
Abstract:
Human eye bank corneas were preserved in M-K medium for varying periods of time after which viability of the endothelial cells was evaluated by vital staining and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Endothelial viability and ultrastructural integrity was maintained in some corneas up to four days. Twenty-five consecutive keratoplasties were performed utilizing human donor material stored in M-K medium. There were clear grafts in 92% of the cases and there were no primary graft failures. After the ninth postoperative week, the average central corneal thickness was 0.47 mm and 23 of the 25 grafts remained clear to moderately clear. All of the donor material used for keratoplasty was stored in M-K medium for less than 80 hours.
Insights
Human donor corneas preserved in M-K medium maintained endothelial cell viability for up to four days. This preservation method resulted in a 92% success rate for corneal transplants (keratoplasties) with no primary graft failures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Tissue preservation
- Corneal transplantation
Background:
- Corneal transplantation relies on donor tissue viability.
- Effective preservation media are crucial for maintaining corneal health.
- M-K medium is a potential solution for short-term corneal storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the viability of human donor cornea endothelial cells preserved in M-K medium.
- To assess the clinical outcomes of keratoplasties using M-K medium-stored corneas.
Main Methods:
- Human eye bank corneas were stored in M-K medium for various durations.
- Endothelial cell viability was assessed using vital staining and electron microscopy.
- Twenty-five consecutive keratoplasties were performed with M-K medium-preserved donor corneas.
Main Results:
- Endothelial cell viability and ultrastructure were maintained up to four days in M-K medium.
- 92% of keratoplasties resulted in clear grafts with no primary failures.
- At nine weeks post-surgery, 23 of 25 grafts remained clear to moderately clear.
Conclusions:
- M-K medium effectively preserves human donor cornea endothelial cells for short-term storage.
- Keratoplasty using M-K medium-stored corneas demonstrates high success rates and good graft clarity.
- Donor material stored for less than 80 hours in M-K medium is suitable for successful transplantation.
