Epithelial invasion of the corneal button. Good techniques for human corneal harvesting

Corneoscleral excision is the most common harvesting technique used in Fran ce before keratoplasty. We report two cases of corneal button epithelial in vasion during organ culture caused by an excision that was too small. Two c orneas stored for 23 days in organ culture at 31 degreesC had a cellular pr oliferation on the surface of Descemet's membrane. Cornea button diameters were respectively 11 and 13mm. The epithelial origin of the invasion was co nfirmed by examining the flat mount of Descemet's membrane by inverted micr oscopy and standard histopathology The authors discuss the origin and the p otential consequences of the epithelial invasion and emphasize the importan ce of good corneal harvesting recommendations before keratoplasty.