Corneal Donation: Current Guidelines and Future Direction

Purpose: This review aims to outline current practices and guidelines of corneal donation and eye banking, describes the implications of COVID-19 and emerging diseases on the corneal donor pool, and discusses future trends to improve and increase the efficiency of the processes involved in corneal donation and eye banking. Summary: Corneal screening, preservation, corneal storage, and prevention of systemic disease transmission from donor to recipient have been crucial in shaping the policies of the FDA and eye banks across the world. Eye banks globally have developed varying guidelines and criteria for evaluating the viability of donor corneas. Variables such as the age of the donor, medical history, and potential disease transmission are important screening parameters. While known infectious diseases may be transmissible through the cornea, emerging infectious diseases that are not well studied may be more transmissible than other infections. In particular, coronavirus has impacted corneal transplantation as SARS-CoV-2 expression has been detected in corneal tissue and conjunctiva. In recent years, partial-thickness corneal transplantations have been introduced. Lamellar grafts and other corneal layers are now utilized for transplantation of the specific areas that are damaged.

Automated summary

Current practices and guidelines of corneal donation and eye banking are crucial in ensuring the safety and efficacy of corneal transplantation procedures. The impact of COVID-19 and emerging infectious diseases on the corneal donor pool has highlighted the importance of screening parameters and evaluating the viability of donor corneas. Recent trends in corneal transplantation include the use of partial-thickness corneal transplantations and lamellar grafts to target specific areas of corneal damage.