Optisol corneal storage medium
H. E. Kaufman, R. W. Beuerman, T. L. Steinemann, H. W. Thompson and E. D. Varnell
Lions Eye Research Laboratories, LSU Eye Center, Louisiana State University, Medical Center School of Medicine, New Orleans 70112.
Optisol is an investigational, intermediate-term corneal storage medium
containing chondroitin sulfate and dextran to enhance corneal dehydration
during storage. We used scanning electron microscopy to grade endothelial
cell morphologic characteristics in terms of cell shape, cell borders, cell
swelling, and apical holes in pairs of corneas stored in Optisol and
Dexsol. Optisolstored corneas showed significantly fewer morphologic
changes after 14 days at 4 degrees C than did Dexsol-stored corneas. No
significant differences were seen after 1 to 4 days at 26 degrees C.
Temperature-reversal analysis showed no significant change in corneal
thickness with warming after 2-week storage at 4 degrees C in either
medium, although Optisol-stored corneas were significantly thinner than
those stored in Dexsol at all times. The results of scanning electron
microscopy suggest that preservation at refrigerator temperature for 2
weeks in Optisol is superior to preservation in Dexsol. Both media may be
useful in preserving endothelial structure for limited periods at room
temperature, which could provide a measure of safety in shipping or storage
where refrigeration is unreliable.
