A Comprehensive Review of Donor Corneal Preservation Strategies

Abstract

Abstract: Successful corneal transplantation relies on the viability of the corneal endothelium. Although various preservation systems have been developed in the field of eye banking, long-term storage of the corneal endothelium poses challenges and is costly. Optisol-GS in the past has been the most commonly used solution for intermediate-term corneal storage in the United States. However, disruptions in the availability of Optisol-GS, caused by rising costs and supply shortages, have necessitated alternative methods of corneal preservation. Previously described preservation methods include hypothermia (2–8°C) for short-term storage (7–14 days), organ culture (28–37°C) for intermediate storage (4–7 weeks), and cryopreservation for longer-term storage. In this review, we examine standard practice and alternative methods for corneal storage.