Eye banking in the coronavirus disease 2019 era

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Updated: Dec 13, 2025

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Dena Ballouz1, Shahzad I Mian

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, W. K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
|August 3, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission via corneal transplantation is low. However, ongoing evaluation of tissue screening guidelines is crucial as our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 evolves.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly infectious respiratory illness.
  • While respiratory droplets are the primary transmission route, SARS-CoV-2 transmission via blood and tissue transplantation is a potential concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current literature on SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes.
  • To assess the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through ocular tissue transplantation, specifically corneal transplants.
  • To evaluate existing guidelines for mitigating transmission risk in tissue transplantation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles and transplantation guidelines.
  • Analysis of evidence for SARS-CoV-2 presence in ocular tissues and potential for transmission.
  • Examination of donor screening and tissue procurement procedures.

Main Results:

  • SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in conjunctival swabs, suggesting the ocular surface may be involved in viral entry.
  • While possible, evidence indicates a low risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through corneal transplantation.
  • Existing guidelines include donor screening (clinical/PCR), though the Eye Bank Association of America does not currently recommend asymptomatic PCR screening.

Conclusions:

  • The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via corneal transplantation appears low based on current data.
  • Antiseptic protocols in tissue procurement may contribute to viral inactivation.
  • Continuous re-evaluation of tissue screening guidelines is necessary as knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 advances.

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