Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
07:51
Full-Field Optical Coherence Microscopy for Histology-Like Analysis of Stromal Features in Corneal Grafts
Published on: October 21, 2022
2.2K
A quantitative method to evaluate the donor corneal tissue quality used in a comparative study between two
Mohit Parekh1, Gianni Salvalaio, Stefano Ferrari
1International Center for Ocular Physiopathology (ICOP), The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Padiglione Rama-Via Paccagnella 11, 30174, Zelarino, Venice, Italy, mohit.parekh@fbov.it.
Cell and Tissue Banking
|February 26, 2014
Summary
A new Overall Quality (OQ) method for donor corneas was validated. Cornea Cold® medium demonstrated superior preservation compared to Optisol-GS, showing better results for thickness, transparency, and cell density.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Tissue Engineering
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Standardized evaluation of donor cornea quality is crucial for successful transplantation.
- Current preservation methods and evaluation techniques require optimization for extended storage and transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To standardize and validate a novel Overall Quality (OQ) evaluation technique for donor corneas.
- To compare the efficacy of Cornea Cold® versus Optisol-GS in preserving corneal tissue over four weeks.
Main Methods:
- Thirty pairs of donor corneas were preserved in Optisol-GS and Cornea Cold® for four weeks.
- Physiological parameters (thickness, transparency, viable endothelial cell density (VECD), morphology) were assessed and converted to a numerical OQ score (0-4).
- Microbiological examinations were conducted using a Bactec instrument.
Main Results:
- Cornea Cold® showed statistically significant improvements in thickness (week 3), transparency (week 2), and VECD/morphology (week 1) compared to Optisol-GS.
- Overall Quality (OQ) scores were significantly better for Cornea Cold® from week 2 onwards.
- Epithelial quality and microbiological safety were comparable between both preservation media.
Conclusions:
- The developed OQ method is efficient, consistent, and validated for comparative studies of corneal preservation.
- Cornea Cold® is a promising hypothermic storage medium offering extended preservation up to 21 days with enhanced flexibility and evaluation accuracy.
- Further refinement of the OQ method is recommended for practical application in eye banks and transplantation settings.
