Re-examination of organ-cultured, cryopreserved human corneal grafts after 27 years

To determine the long-term fate of cryopreserved corneas. Review of 17 organ-cultered cryopreserved corneas grafted in 1978-1979. We measured visual acuity and refraction and performed biomicroscopy, applanation tonometry and optical pachometri (CCT). Endothelial photos were taken, cells were counted and morphology was studied. Four of 16 grafted corneas were still clear after 27 years. Mean CCT was 0.52 mm, endothelial cell density was 882 cells/mm(2) and visual acuity was 0.25 or better with an average of 0.6 in the four patients. Cell morphology showed irregularity in shape and size. This study shows that cryopreserved endothelium can function as well as non-frozen corneas and that a regular hexagonal pattern is not essential for corneal clarity. The four grafts showed long-term durability despite the irregularity in shape and size.