Variables in McCarey-Kaufman Corneal Storage: Their Effect on Corneal Graft Success

Abstract

The results of 297 penetrating keratoplasties performed over a fouryear period were reviewed retrospectively and correlated with eyebank data to determine the effect of the following corneal storage variables on corneal graft clarity: (1) donor age; (2) death-to-preservation interval; (3) death-to-surgery interval; and (4) eyebank grading of donor corneal tissue. The death-topreservation interval (including a group of corneas preserved 12–19 hours after death) and death-to-surgery interval up to four days had no effect on corneal graft success. Transplants performed with corneas from younger donors had a higher likelihood of success than grafts from older donors (<35 years vs >35 years, P < 0.01; <50 years vs >50 years, P < 0.005). Transplants using tissue rated excellent or good by the eyebank were more successful than those using tissue rated fair (P < 0.005). In both instances, these results were most apparent in patients believed to have a good prognosis for graft success. Thirteen cases (4.3%) of primary donor failure were identified. None of the corneal storage variables studied could be correlated with primary donor failure.