COVID-19 and Eye Banking: Ongoing Impacts of the Pandemic

Ballouz, Dena; Issa, Rafik; Sawant, Onkar B.; Hurlbert, Susan; Titus, Michael S.; Zhou, Yuhang; Musch, David C.; Majmudar, Parag A.; Kumar, Ashok

doi:10.1097/ico.0000000000003137

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…A survey conducted by the EBAA showed a similar pattern of improvement in the tissue distribution volume 2 months after lockdown ( 8 ). In a study of the Eversight eye bank, Ballouz et al ( 9 ) compared the number of available corneal tissues and corneal transplant surgeries in an 18-month period from July 2020 to December 2021 (when elective surgeries were resumed) to the same period in 2018 and 2019. The number of surgeries requiring corneal tissue significantly increased in this period compared to the pre-pandemic period, and the number of suitable tissues was similar in both periods of comparison.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, though the number of procured tissue increased during this period it was not enough to meet the needs due to the increased demand. This shortage in tissue was handled through an increase in imported tissues ( 9 ). Ongoing efforts to improve the rates of donation of corneal tissue post-pandemic will continue to address the increasing demand for corneal transplantation worldwide.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Global impact of COVID-19 on corneal donor tissue harvesting and corneal transplantation

Mousavi,

Kahuam-López,

Iovieno

et al. 2023

Front. Med.

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IntroductionThe purpose of this review is to consolidate and examine the available literature on the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and its effect on corneal transplantation and eye banking.MethodsA primary literature search was conducted using the PubMed (Medline) database with keywords and MeSH terms such as “corneal transplantation,” “eye banks,” “keratoplasty” and then were combined with COVID-19. Relevant articles through September 2022 were assessed and 25 articles were included in this review.ResultsDonor tissue volumes declined globally during lockdown periods due to a lower number of referrals and tighter tissue screening guidelines. Rates of elective surgeries decreased in the lockdown period compared to respective periods in previous years. However, changes in rates of emergency procedures were not uniform across different regions. Moreover, rates of different elective corneal grafts [i.e., penetrating keratoplasty (PK), endothelial keratoplasty (EK), or anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK)] were affected differently with the pattern of change being dependent on region-specific factors.ConclusionBoth donor tissue volumes and rates of corneal transplant procedures were affected by lockdown restrictions. The underlying etiology of these changes differed by region. Examining the range of impact across many countries as well as the contributing factors involved will provide guidance for future global pandemics.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global impact of COVID-19 on corneal donor tissue harvesting and corneal transplantation

Mousavi,

Kahuam-López,

Iovieno

et al. 2023

Front. Med.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In Japan, corneal transplantation relies on imported corneas from US. Post-mortem testing for COVID-19 had been discontinued in the U.S. 18 , so it would be even more useful to use preservation solution to check for infection in such cases. In addition, we consider that using donor corneal preservation fluid to check for infection is simpler and safer than using nasopharyngeal swab fluid of the deceased patient, including the reduced risk of secondary infection of the collector.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although corneal transplant procedures were back to normal levels, there was a shortage of suitable corneal tissue. The discontinuation of post-mortem testing of COVID-19 in the U.S. has made it possible to obtain many imported corneas 18 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

SARS-CoV-2 infection status in corneal preservation solution and COVID-19 prevalence after corneal transplantation

Wasai,

Yamada,

Ariyoshi

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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The potential risks associated with organs from COVID-19-infected donors were unclear. To determine the SARS-CoV-2 infection status of corneas transplanted during the COVID-19 pandemic, we performed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the corneal preservation solution that was used for corneal transplantation. We also examined the postoperative health status of the recipients. This study included 144 transplants in 143 eyes. Ninety-nine eyes of imported corneas and 10 of the 14 corneas donated in the prefecture were PCR tested at our hospital, and all were SARS-CoV-2 negative. All corneal transplants were performed after confirming their SARS-CoV-2 negativity by a PCR using a corneal preservation solution at our hospital or a nasopharyngeal swab at a previous facility. Despite postoperative steroid administration, no patient developed COVID-19 infection until discharge. Hence, if the donor's nasopharyngeal swab test is SARS-CoV-2 negative, COVID-19 infection in the recipient due to corneal transplantation may be prevented. Since corneal transplant recipients are susceptible to infection due to prolonged steroid administration and are at high risk for severe diseases if infection occurs, SARS-CoV-2 detection testing using nasopharyngeal swabs in donors should be performed.

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COVID-19 and Eye Banking: Ongoing Impacts of the Pandemic

Abstract: Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

Cited by 2 publications

References 26 publications

Global impact of COVID-19 on corneal donor tissue harvesting and corneal transplantation

Global impact of COVID-19 on corneal donor tissue harvesting and corneal transplantation

SARS-CoV-2 infection status in corneal preservation solution and COVID-19 prevalence after corneal transplantation

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