The Effect of Chronic Pulmonary Disease and Mechanical Ventilation on Corneal Donor Endothelial Cell Density and Transplant Suitability

A high proportion of cornea donors have respiratory disease prior to donation. Ventilation time >7 days affected transplant suitability but the presence of COPD did not. Donors with COPD and donors who were mechanically ventilated had reduced cell counts. Longer ventilation times lead to increased cell loss. The presence of respiratory disease may affect tissue oxygenation and endothelial cell health.