Re‐examination of organ‐cultured, cryopreserved human corneal grafts after 27 years

PURPOSE: To determine the long-term fate of cryopreserved corneas. Review of 17 organ-cultered cryopreserved corneas grafted in 1978-1979. METHODS: We measured visual acuity and refraction and performed biomicroscopy, applanation tonometry and optical pachometri (CCT). Endothelial photos were taken, cells were counted and morphology was studied. RESULTS: Four of 16 grafted corneas were still clear after 27 years. Mean CCT was 0.52 mm, endothelial cell density was 882 cells/mm(2) and visual acuity was 0.25 or better with an average of 0.6 in the four patients. Cell morphology showed irregularity in shape and size. CONCLUSION: This study shows that cryopreserved endothelium can function as well as non-frozen corneas and that a regular hexagonal pattern is not essential for corneal clarity. The four grafts showed long-term durability despite the irregularity in shape and size.