Corneal temperature reversal after storage in Chen medium compared with Optisol GS

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Preservation
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Corneal transplantation relies on effective storage media to maintain tissue viability.
• Optisol GS and Chen Medium (CM) are two storage solutions used for donor corneas.
• Assessing endothelial cell function is crucial for graft survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the corneal endothelial cell function of corneas stored in Optisol GS versus Chen Medium (CM).
• To evaluate corneal thickness changes during temperature reversal after storage.
• To assess ultrastructural changes in corneal endothelium.

Main Methods:

• Human donor corneas (n=20) were stored in Optisol GS or CM at 4°C for 48 hours.
• Corneal thickness was measured using ultrasonic pachymetry during 12 hours of warming at 37°C.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluated endothelial ultrastructure after warming.

Main Results:

• Corneal thickness changes during warming were similar between Optisol GS and CM groups (p=0.212).
• SEM revealed greater endothelial cell disruption in corneas stored with Optisol GS compared to CM after 12 hours.
• Endothelial pump function appears comparable based on thickness measurements.

Conclusions:

• Chen Medium (CM) demonstrates comparable endothelial pump function to Optisol GS.
• Optisol GS storage may be associated with more significant endothelial cell disruption.
• Further clinical studies are necessary to determine the comparative effectiveness of CM and Optisol GS.