[Medium-term preservation of human corneas in an enriched culture medium at +37 degrees Centigrade]

A study of 36 penetrating keratoplasties using donor corneas stored at +37 degrees C in organ culture incubation for an average of 12 days prior to transplantation is reported. The criteria for the survival of corneal grafts were mean central corneal thickness, clarity of the cornea and mean endothelial cell density. A total of 86% of the grafts remained clear after 12 months follow-up time. The mean central corneal thickness was 0.47 mm. The mean endothelial cell density was 1452 cells/mm2. Based on the results of this study, organ culture reported here appears to be a safe and efficient method of medium to long-term corneal storage.