PURPOSE: To analyze causes of discarded donor corneas which were collected and preserved by São Paulo Hospital Eye Bank in a period of two years. METHODS: Retrospective study based in the investigation of donor's medical records, for clinical and ocular factors, age, death cause, serology results, body conditions, slit lamp corneal examination and endothelial cells counting. RESULTS: 1,116 corneas were donated and included in the study, 518 (46.41%) were discarded before preservation, 168 (15.05%) were not transplanted for optical purpose, but used for tectonic indication. The main reason of cornea discard was the cause of death in 288 (25.80%) corneas, second the slit lamp analysis of tissues in 174 (15.59%) corneas. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the medical records and the donor's clinical history was an important factor of cornea discard of the not preserved tissues, showing the importance of this stage to guarantee the quality of the tissue and to ensure proper safety for the recipient. Also, the biomicroscopy evaluation realized in the slit lamp is a fundamental stage for qualification and classification of the tissue to guarantee a good surgical result.
Evaluation; Organ preservation; Corneal transplantation
