[Disinfection of human donor corneas during preparation and preservation]

Endophthalmitis after penetrating keratoplasty is rare but more frequently observed than after other intraocular procedures. The main source may be a contaminated donor cornea. This survey reviews current concepts of donor globe decontamination and avoidance of infection during preservation. Basically, we suggest the use of a 3% PVP-Iodine solution for decontamination of donor globes. Using short-term preservation techniques, the tissue should be stored at ambient temperature after preparation of corneoscleral disc or before transplantation for a while to allow antibiotics to act against decontaminants. Tissue stored by organ culture should be kept in a sealed vial. Alternatively, the medium may be changed every 10 to 14 days under sterile conditions.