To study the correlation between donor age and endothelial cell count in donor corneas

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of donor age on the endothelial cell density of donor corneas. Materials and methods: Corneal endothelial cell density of 245 corneas preserved in McCarey Kaufman {MK} medium was analyzed by konan specular microscope. The donors were divided into three age groups: Group 1 less than 50 years, Group 2 between 51-75 years, Group 3 more than 75 years. Result: There were 32 ,108, 132 patients respectively in three groups,theendothelial cell density was found to be higher in donor less than 50 years of age, but endothelial cell counts in donors more than 50 years of age was found to be age independent. Conclusion: No cornea should be rejected on age criteria alone.