Comparative Study of Two Corneal Graft Storage Media: New Animal Compound Free Medium Versus Reference Medium

Comparative Study of Two Corneal Graft Storage Media: New Animal Compound Free Medium Versus Reference Medium

At present, all commercially available corneal organ culture media contain foetal calf serum (FCS) and sometimes other compounds extracted from animals. These compounds are necessary for corneal cell survival but are problematic because they theoretically have risk of anthropozoonosis transmission, especially for new variant of CJD and the variability between FCS batches influence graft quality. Our laboratory research allowed in vitro and ex vivo validation of a new medium free compound animal. We proved its superiority over conventional medium containing 2% FCS for endothelial cell survival during the storage time. The goal of this clinical trial is now to assess its superiority in patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female patients
• over 18 years of age
• Clinically proven corneal disease
• Registered on the French National waiting list (GLAC)
• Patient informed consent
• Patient who needs a 8.25mm of diameter perforating keratoplasty, either isolated or combined with lens surgery
• Low immune rejection risk (< 2 quadrants of neovascularization, no previous history of herpetic keratitis nor graft rejection)
• No previous history of glaucoma or elevated intra ocular pressure (>22 mm

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient is unlikely to comply with the requirements of the protocol