Utility of a Model to Predict Endothelial Cell Density of Donor Corneas to Determine Suitability for Transplantation.

Purpose: In Germany, approximately one-third of the harvested donor corneas are not suitable for transplantation, mostly due to insufficient endothelial cell density (ECD). The ECD can only be reliably determined after harvesting and processing of the cornea. Our group has previously developed a predictive model for corneal ECD: \( {Predicted\, ECD} = 2919-6^{\ast}\;{age}\; [{years}]-189\; [{if\, male}]\\ -7^{\ast}\;{death-to-explantation\, interval\,} [{hours}]\\ - 378\; [{if\, pseudophakic}] \;{cells/mm}^2 \).

Prevalence of Herpes Simplex and Varicella-Zoster Virus DNA in Corneal Grafts Is Higher than Expected.

Purpose: (1) To determine the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in donor corneas; (2) To evaluate the clinical outcome of the grafts with viral DNA and to compare donors with and without viral DNA.

Methods: We analyzed data from all donors and recipients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK) or Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) between September 2022 and March 2023. Donor corneoscleral rims and excised recipients' corneal buttons were tested for the presence of HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, and CMV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Expression and subcellular localization of USH1C/harmonin in human retina provides insights into pathomechanisms and therapy.

Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common form of hereditary deaf-blindness in humans. USH is a complex genetic disorder, assigned to three clinical subtypes differing in onset, course and severity, with USH1 being the most severe. Rodent USH1 models do not reflect the ocular phenotype observed in human patients to date; hence, little is known about the pathophysiology of USH1 in the human eye.

How to Predict the Suitability for Corneal Donorship?

Background: In Germany, more than one-third of donor corneas harvested are not suitable for transplantation. We evaluated the factors associated with the usability of donor corneas.

Method: Data from 2032 consecutive donor corneas harvested at the Rhineland-Palatinate Eye Bank in Mainz, Germany, were retrospectively analyzed.

SARS-CoV-2: Impact on, Risk Assessment and Countermeasures in German Eye Banks.

Introduction: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic there has been some debate regarding the risk of transmission through tissue transplantation and tissue banking processes.

Aim Of The Study: To analyze the changes that SARS-CoV-2 has caused regarding the harvesting of corneal donor tissue and eye bank activities in Germany.

Methods: A questionnaire was provided to 26 eye banks in Germany, consisting of questions about adaptations made in the screening of potential donors and the harvesting of corneal tissue following the pandemic spread of SARS-CoV-2.