Comparison of rabbit corneal changes during different preservation techniques using Optisol-GS and airlift.

Abstract

Background: A previous study has suggested that airlift condition is superior to Optisol-GS condition in preserving the limbal tissue of human cornea. Purpose: To investigate a new preservation device that preserves the cornea while separating epithelial and endothelial areas. We compared the differences after preserving the corneal epithelium in different conditions. Methods: 24 corneas of New Zealand rabbits were divided into 4 groups in which the corneal epithelia submersed in Optisol-GS or under airlift conditions for 1 and 2 weeks, (4°C). Transparency, OCT, H&E staining and epithelial migration tests were used to assess the corneal status. Results: The epithelial migration examination showed statistical difference indicating that the epithelium had larger migration ability after airlift conditions. Corneas in the 1-week Optisol-GS group were the most transparent, followed by the 1-week airlift group. OCT showed progressive increase of corneal thickness till the end of the study. H&E staining results showed that the epithelial cells retained intact cellular structure and morphology of the cells for both the 1-week preserved groups. However, there was disruption of the corneal epithelial cell structure for both 2-week preserved groups. Conclusion: Corneal epithelium preserved under hypothermic airlift conditions was comparable to that found for Optisol-GS conditions.