Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the performance of a new hypothermic corneal storage solution (NHCSS) on human donor cornea preservation.
Methods 1) Twelve research corneas were recovered into cold storage solution (Coldix) and central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell density (ECD) were measured within 72h from procurement (Day 1) prior to transferring to the NHCSS. CCT and ECD were measured again after 14 and 28 days of storage. 2) Seven more pairs of corneas were recovered (one cornea stored in NHCSS, mate stored in Optisol-GS). ECD, CCT, stromal folds, and corneal edema were examined at initial evaluation (Day 1) and days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Calcein-AM staining was performed on a subset on Day 28 (n=3 pairs). 3) Two more pairs of corneas were denuded of epithelium. Mated corneas were stored in NHCSS or Optisol-GS for 7 days. CCT, folds, and edema were examined and compared.
Results 1) Corneas transferred to NHCSS thinned by 24 and 40 µm after 14 and 28 days of storage (both P<0.01). ECD did not significantly change during storage (both P>0.05). 2) No change in ECD was observed. CCT of the two cohorts was significantly different at Days 1, 21, and 28 of storage (all P<0.01). CCT for corneas stored in NHCSS remained constant for 28 days, while corneas stored in Optisol-GS swelled. Corneas stored in NHCSS had fewer folds after 28 days in storage, resulting in less cell loss measured by Calcein-AM analysis. 3) Corneas stored in NHCSS retained a clear and compact stroma despite being devoid of epithelium.
Conclusions NHCSS has great potential to be an additional hypothermic corneal storage solution for use at the current 14-day threshold and shows promise for extending storage to 28 days.
