A multicentric randomised control trial comparing percentage of optical grade donor human corneas and endotheial cell density between traditional and modified corneoscleral rim excision techniques- a surgical technique trial

Corneal transplantation is the most successful type of organ transplantation. Thus far the eye donation movement in India has gained tremendous momentum owing to widespread awareness and a major paradigm shift in public attitude. However, of collected tissues only half are used for transplantation purposes. The remaining are utilized for medical education or experimental research and a large proportion of non-utilization due to multiple reasons- most often due to poor quality. Poor quality tissues are likely to result in primary graft failure after corneal transplantation. It is therefore of utmost importance to protect the corneal endothelium and improve the viability of the cells during harvesting itself.  Current techniques of harvesting of cornea rely on skill set of the technician/resident/doctor for preventing damage to the corneal tissues during harvesting. By this study we intend to improve the vitality of the cells and decrease intra harvesting damage to the corneal endothelium. This will eventually improve the Quality of tissues harvested and decrease the wastageThe trial is step forward to improve the health of donor corneas that are harvested after death. We are using clinically proven medications that are routinely used in ophthalmic surgery, for comparing the health and cell counts by a simple modification of the existing harvesting technique. 4 eye bank centers are enrolled for the project.