Donor Related Factors Influencing Corneal Graft Survival in Western India

Dr. Rahul Pawar, Dr. Anilkumar Singh

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the donor-related factors influencing corneal graft survival following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in Western India. Methods: A prospective study of 40 patients undergoing PK for corneal opacity and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy was conducted. Donor-related parameters including age, sex, cause of death, death-to-enucleation time, preservation media, and environmental factors were analyzed. Surgical outcomes were assessed in terms of graft clarity, survival, and complications. Results: Donor age and sex had no significant effect on graft survival. Donor cornea size >8 mm was associated with increased risk of graft failure. Preservation technique (moist chamber vs MK medium) showed no significant difference, although MK medium grafts had slower postoperative recovery. Shorter death-to-enucleation times showed trends toward better survival. Infections were associated with corneas procured from home settings. At 24 months, 52.5% of grafts remained clear. Conclusion: Optimizing donor corneal utilization requires strict aseptic techniques, proper preservation, and enhanced postoperative compliance. Donor age, sex, and short death-to-enucleation intervals do not significantly affect graft clarity, while graft size >8 mm increases risk of failure.

Keywords: Corneal transplantation, Penetrating keratoplasty, Donor factors, Graft survival, Preservation media

How to Cite?: Dr. Rahul Pawar, Dr. Anilkumar Singh, "Donor Related Factors Influencing Corneal Graft Survival in Western India", Volume 14 Issue 9, September 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1054-1059, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25922010528, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25922010528