Related Experiment Videos
[Growing waiting list for corneal transplantation]
Per Fagerholm1, Margareta Claesson, Ulf Stenevi
1Ogonkliniken, Universitetssjukhuset i Linköping. perfa@inr.liu.se
Lakartidningen
|March 8, 2002
Summary
Corneal grafting in Sweden faces challenges, with declining procedures and growing waiting lists due to donor shortages. Increased corneal bank capacity aims to improve graft availability for patients needing corneal surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Transplantation Surgery
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Significant advancements in corneal storage techniques and legislative reforms have impacted corneal grafting in Sweden.
- The Swedish Corneal Surgery Society has tracked corneal graft numbers, surgical waiting lists, and eye bank capacity since 1995.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in corneal grafting procedures and waiting list sizes in Sweden since 1995.
- To identify factors contributing to the decline in corneal graft procedures and assess future capacity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of data collected by the Swedish Corneal Surgery Society.
- Review of corneal graft numbers, waiting list durations, and eye bank capacities from 1995 onwards.
Main Results:
- Corneal grafting procedures decreased from 1995, while waiting lists lengthened.
- In 1999, only 448 procedures were performed, falling short of the estimated 650 needed.
- Key factors for the decline include donor cornea scarcity, surgical prioritization, advancements in keratoconus contact lenses, and increased use of excimer laser surgery.
Conclusions:
- The demand for corneal grafts in Sweden exceeds the current supply, leading to extended waiting times.
- Expansion of corneal banking facilities, with two new banks opening in 2001, is expected to increase graft availability.
- Addressing donor cornea shortages and optimizing surgical resource allocation are crucial for meeting patient needs.