A Comparative Evaluation of 4degrees C Corneal Preservation Media, Optisol and Likorol

ABSTRACT

We examined two different corneal preservatives, Optisol and Likorol which contain different concentrations of chondroitin sulfate and evaluated their ability to maintain cellular viability and corneal deturgescence. The corneal thickness(12 days storage, at 4degrees C) and endothelial cell cytotoxicity(24, 48, 72, and 120 hours incubation at 35.5degrees C) were measured in 8 paired human corneas. Corneas stored in Optisol were thinner than Likorol-stored corneas throughout the examination period. Alkaline Phosphatase activity and [3H]-Thymidine incorporation showed increased mitotic activity in endothelial cells cultured in Optisol when compared with Likorol-cultured cells. These results suggest that Optisol provides better maintenance of corneal deturgescence and increased corneal endothelial viability with prolonged storage time.