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The effect of DMEK graft storage time on its elasticity

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First Author: N.Shilova RUSSIA

Co Author(s):    B. Malyugin                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of DMEK graft storage time on its elastic properties, as measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Setting:

S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery State Institution, Moscow, Russia

Methods:

Twenty human corneas of 10 donors unsuitable for transplantation were obtained from the eye bank. Ten DMEK grafts were prepared and stored in Optisol GS (Chiron Ophthalmics, Irvine, California) at 4° C after preparation (group A) and AFM analysis was performed within 12 hours. Ten paired corneas of same donors were stored in Optisol-GS at 4° C for 1 week (group B),before AFM analysis. Data were analyzed using the Hertz model for the evaluation of the Young modulus of elasticity.

Results:

Force–distance curve analysis showed a decrease in the Young modulus of elasticity in Group B in comparison to Group A. Mean values were 6.3±1.6 kPa vs 10.8±1.3 kPa (P<0.001). There was no correlation between the Young modulus of elasticity to donor age (r=0.110, P = 0.644), endothelial cell count (r=-0.145, P = 0.541), or procurement interval (r=0.14, P = 0.755).

Conclusions:

A longer graft-storage time in cold storage media was found to significantly reduce the elasticity of the DMEK graft. Clinically, this could potentially influence the unfolding of the DMEK graft within the anterior chamber during surgery and have an effect on the postoperative detachment rate.

Financial Disclosure:

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