We describe a technique to obtain Descemet-endothelium disks from donors. To detach Descemet membrane, an air bubble was introduced in the deep stroma of human donor corneas mounted on an artificial chamber. In Group A (n = 5), the bubble was left inflated. In Group B (n = 4), the bubble was deflated immediately after the membrane was detached. In Group C (n = 7), the Descemet-endothelium disk was trephined and separated from the stroma after the bubble was deflated. All tissues were stored at 4°C. Descemet detachment was achieved in 89% of the tissues. After 48 hours, the mean endothelial loss was 83% ± 10% (SD), 15% ± 11%, and 3% ± 3% in the 3 groups, respectively. With this technique, Descemet-endothelium disks were obtained without significant alterations in the endothelial layer.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histological biocompatibility of a stainless steel miniature glaucoma drainage device. Twenty-four months before death due to heart failure, this seventy-three-year-old female patient underwent filtration surgery for primary open-angle glaucoma uncontrolled in the right eye. The device was implanted at the limbus under a scleral flap. For histopathological evaluation, two corneoscleral specimens were embedded in methacrylate blocks sectioned to a thickness of 50 microns, polished and stained with periodic acid schiff. Some sections included a longitudinal cross-section of the implant. At the interface between the spur and the flange of the device and the cornea, there was a small shoulder of fibrous tissue. A thin, fibrous capsule covered the remainder of the body of the device up to the distal tip. No inflammatory cells occurred within the fibrous capsule. No material or blockage was noted within the lumen. Our results support the biological inertness of the device.

Aim: To develop a method capable of identifying human corneal limbal stem cells (LSCs) and follow their proliferation and migration in the epithelium. Materials and Methods: Ten fresh matched pairs of cadaveric normal human corneas were obtained from donors. Carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) was used to target LSCs. The distribution of CFSE-positive cell clusters was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy by counterstaining with 4',6diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). Fluorescence was digitally recorded for seven days, and the rate of cell movement was determined. Results: CFSE-labeled cells were tracked in corneas. Analysis of time sequences revealed that they moved centripetally. Daily average CFSE-labeled LSC movement was 0.073±0.01 cm (±SD). Conclusion: CFSE allowed us to identify LSCs and to track their centripetal migration from the limbal basal layer to the anterior ocular surface. This experimental system appears to be a valuable tool for further studies on corneal epithelial cell migration and proliferation.