[Evaluation of corneal tissue processed by a reference Eye Bank]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Transplantation Science
• Public Health

Context:

• The Sorocaba Eye Bank (BOS) processed and distributed corneas for transplantation in 2007.
• Evaluating the quality of these donated corneas is crucial for successful transplantation outcomes.
• Data collection for corneas transplanted outside the primary institution presented significant challenges.

Purpose:

• To assess the quality of corneas processed by the Sorocaba Eye Bank (BOS) and transplanted externally.
• To evaluate corneas that were re-entered into the BOS and subsequently transplanted.
• To analyze transplant outcomes including tissue transparency, transplant time, and primary graft failure.

Summary:

• In 2007, BOS distributed 392 corneas externally; data for 386 were sought, with follow-up available for only 48 keratoplasties.
• Among the 48 analyzed external transplants, 5.5 days was the average enucleation-to-transplant time, with 9.8 months of follow-up.
• Outcomes included three primary failures, three cases of visual axis opacity, one infectious keratitis, and 39 successful transplants without complications.

Impact:

• Difficulties in data acquisition hinder a comprehensive evaluation of the Sorocaba Eye Bank's distributed cornea quality.
• Further studies are needed to refine selection and preservation protocols for donated corneas.
• Improved data collection strategies are essential for future quality assessment and optimization of corneal transplantation services.