LIGHT-MICROSCOPIC EVALUATION OF HUMAN DONOR CORNEAL STROMA DURING ORGAN-CULTURE

Purpose: To try to facilitate evaluation of corneal stroma during orga n culture by means of light microscopy. Methods: Corneal stroma of 53 consecutive organ-cultured corneas was studied by means of light micro scopy during endothelial quality control. Out of 9 corneas with bad st romal evaluation, 2 were studied by means of transmission electron mic roscopy, and 7 were grafted. From the remaining 44 corneas with a norm al light microscopic appearance, 35 were grafted. Results: Stromal abn ormalities consisted of bright visible structures with a cell-like sha pe corresponding to keratocyte injuries (i.e. cellular edema, light an d dark vacuoles, cell membrane disruption and, finally; internal cytol ysis) as observed by TEM. At 3 months postoperatively no clinical diff erences between the two groups of transplants were observed. Conclusio n: Corneal stroma can be evaluated qualitatively and easily by means o f light microscopy during organ culture. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the presence of lysed keratocytes in the graft's stroma actually influences the outcome of transplantation.