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How long can donor sclera be safely stored?
K G Romanchuk1, P Nair, B Grahn
1Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. romanchukk@sdh.sk.ca
Cornea
|July 29, 2003
Summary
Prolonged glycerin storage of sclera (eye tissue) for up to 19 years shows no bacterial contamination and maintains structural integrity. This safe, extended storage could increase the availability of donated sclera for transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Glycerin preservation is a method for storing donor sclera.
- The long-term effects of glycerin storage on scleral tissue viability and integrity are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess bacteriologic contamination in sclera after prolonged glycerin storage.
- To evaluate the tensile strength of reconstituted sclera.
- To examine the microstructural integrity of stored sclera.
Main Methods:
- Scleral shells stored in glycerin for 9-19 years and controls were analyzed.
- Bacteriologic contamination was tested via direct inoculation into thioglycolate broth.
- Tensile strength was measured using a tensiometer.
- Microstructural integrity was examined using scanning electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- No bacteriologic contamination was detected after prolonged storage.
- Tensile strength generally increased with longer storage duration.
- Scanning electron microscopy confirmed maintained ultrastructural integrity.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged glycerin storage of sclera is safe and does not lead to reactivation of bacterial contamination.
- Extended storage preserves scleral tensile strength and microstructural integrity.
- This finding may help increase the supply of donor sclera for surgical use.