Endothelial cell density after penetrating keratoplasty using long-time banked donor material after long distance...

Central corneal cell density was evaluated from photographs obtained by a clinical non-contact specular microscope (Zeiss) in 48 patients at a mean post-operative time of 7 1/2 months after penetrating keratoplasty for a number of different causes, keratoconus being the most frequent indication. Cell density decrease on this occasion was compared to pre-operative data from the Eye Bank in Arhus, Denmark, which supplied corneo-scleral preparations transported by ferry and train to Linköping, Sweden. A mean decrease in cell density of 4.4% was recorded during bank time (11-27 days). A further mean decrease from final preparation to post-operative photography of 36.5% was found. Mean total cell density decrease amounted to 39.4%, which compares well with results found in other studies. Among several factors studied, the only one associated with significantly (P less than 0.02) greater cell density decrease than other factors was long post-mortal time periods (death to bank preparation). Mean final endothelial cell density was 1899 cells/mm2, which should correspond to a good functional reserve of donor endothelium. Neither the long bank time, nor the transportation seemed to be of major importance with respect to donor material quality. Foreign material supply can be a good solution to local corneal shortage.