Related Experiment Videos
Endothelial cell densities in corneal donor material.
Annals of Ophthalmology
|October 1, 1985
Summary
Donor corneal endothelial cell count stabilizes around 2,600 cells/mm2 after age 30, suggesting age is not the primary factor for corneal graft selection. This finding aids in optimizing donor tissue utilization for transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Transplantation
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Endothelial cell count is a critical factor in donor cornea viability for transplantation.
- Donor age is often considered during the selection process for corneal grafts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between donor age and corneal endothelial cell density.
- To determine if donor age should be a primary criterion for selecting corneas for transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of endothelial cell counts from 282 donated corneas.
- Assessment of endothelial cell viability using vital staining and inverted phase contrast microscopy.
- Evaluation of endothelial photomicrographs to determine cell density trends.
Main Results:
- The mean endothelial cell count was 2,665 cells/mm2, with a mean donor age of 56.01 years.
- Endothelial cell count decreases in the first three decades of life and stabilizes around 2,600 cells/mm2 thereafter.
- The majority of donors were over 40 years old, with common causes of death including malignancies and myocardial infarction.
Conclusions:
- Corneal endothelial cell density stabilizes in adulthood and does not significantly decrease with advanced age.
- Donor age should not be the primary criterion for selecting donor corneas for transplantation.
- Focusing on cell density and viability over age can potentially increase the availability of suitable donor corneas.