Optisol vs Dexsol as storage media for preservation of human corneal epithelium

Abstract

Purpose To compare the efficacy of two storage media, Optisol GS and Dexsol, in preservation of donor corneal epithelium. Methods A total of 12 pairs of corneas not suitable for transplantation, all with intact epithelium, were used in this study, with one cornea of the pair stored in Optisol GS and its other counterpart in Dexsol. At each of three durations of storage -1, 2, and 4 days F four of these paired corneas were prepared for light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Another four pairs of control cornea were prepared in the same way and placed in universal fixative. Main outcome measures Evaluation of the corneas was made by two observers masked as to the identity of the storage medium and length of storage. Loss of epithelial cells was evaluated by light microscopy. The attachment of the epithelium to the basement membrane, cellular integrity, intercellular junctions, and intracellular organelles were evaluated and compared by electron microscopy. Results The magnitude of epithelial loss correlated with the length of storage time. Control corneas maintained normal epithelium with preservation of all epithelial cell layers. Corneas stored for 1 day had minimal damage of the epithelium. Corneas stored for 2 days had a slight increase in epithelial damage, and corneas stored for up to 4 days showed a marked increase in epithelial damage. There were no significant differences between the two storage media. The basal cell layer was maintained in both the media at all time points, usually in good condition with mild-to-moderate damage in some cases. Conclusions Loss of donor epithelium is related mainly to the length of storage and is similar in both Optisol GS and Dexsol. The storage time should be less than 4 days, especially when performing penetrating keratoplasty on patients with ocular surface disorders.

Outcome of primary adult optical penetrating keratoplasty with imported donor corneas

“…Previous investigators have documented this correlation between prolonged storage and postoperative epithelial defects [29][30][31]. Machado and associates [31] demonstrated that the epithelial status on the first postoperative day is not predictive of the 1-month status of the ocular surface or the likelihood of graft survival, an observation supported by the present study in which there was no significant correlation between the length of time required for re-epithelialization and the probability of graft survival.…”

“…Fortunately, the ability to preserve donor tissue in Optisol storage media at 4°C for up to 14 days with little loss of endothelial viability overcomes the obstacle of delays associated with processing and shipping, thereby permitting the use of internationally acquired tissue [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Although imported donor tissue meets Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) requirements, there are some concerns that there may be some distribution bias toward exporting tissue that is at the upper limit of the requirements for age and death-to-preservation time and at the lower end for endothelial cell density (ECD).…”

A Novel Microemulsion System for Ocular Delivery of Azithromycin: Design, Characterization and Ex-Vivo Rabbit Corneal Permeability

“…The subcutaneous tissue was completely removed without causing any injury using the scissors or a scalpel. The rabbit corneas were kept in a DexSol solution (chondroitinsulphate-based, commercial storage media for preservation of corneal epithelium, Chiron Ophthalmic, Irvine, California) (28,29). The ex vivo cornea permeation study was performed using modified Franz diffusion cells fabricated in house with an effective diffusion area of roughly 0.348 cm 2 .…”

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“…The rabbit corneas were kept in a DexSol solution (chondroitin-sulfate-based, commercial storage media for the preservation of corneal epithelium, Chiron ophthalmic, Irvine, California). [15,16] The ex vivo cornea permeation study was performed using Modified Franz diffusion cells fabricated in the house with an effective diffusion area of approximately 0.348 cm 2 . The excised rabbit corneas were placed between the donor and receptor compartments of the cell, so that sclera ring clamped between two chambers and cornea facing the receptor without any damage.…”