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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
Growth of Human and Sheep Corneal Endothelial Cell Layers on Biomaterial Membranes
Published on: February 6, 2020
One hundred-year-old human corneal and transplanted corneal graft endothelium
Pekka Ruusuvaara1, Eija Vesti2, Elina Koskela1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Purpose:
To investigate and analyse one hundred-year-old endothelial cells of human transplanted corneal grafts and compare them with intact endothelium of unoperated eyes.
Subjects And Methods:
Specular microscopy was performed on seven individuals (14 eyes) aged >100 years and on seven transplanted corneas with endothelial cells of at least 100 years old. All keratoplasties were performed by the same surgeon (PR) 25-35 years before the time of examination. As controls, 14 unoperated healthy individuals (26 eyes) of 90-100 years, 12 individuals (24 eyes) of 48-52 years, 12 students (24 eyes) of 19-24 years and 11 children (22 eyes) from 10 to 14 years of age were photographed and analysed.
Results:
The mean cell density in the oldest age group, over 100 years of age (average 102 years), was very good 2365 cells/mm(2) . The mean cell density in the transplanted corneas, the endothelial cells of which were over 100 years old (mean 106 years), was 923 cells/mm(2) (range 585-1800 cells/mm(2) ).
Conclusion:
Corneal endothelial cells may remain viable and capable to perform their function over 100 years. Donor corneas up to 70-75 years of age can be approved for transplantation, provided that the endothelial cells have been thoroughly evaluated with vital staining before the operation.
