Collection of Endothelial Tissue Samples
Tissue derived from individuals affected by FECD was removed during endothelial keratoplasty surgery performed at MEH. As part of the procedure, 8 mm diameter discs of DM with attached endothelial cells were removed from the posterior surface of the central cornea. Control tissue, considered suitable for transplantation, was obtained from corneo-scleral rims stored in OptiSol-GS (Bausch & Lomb). All prepared tissue was stored in Lebovitz L15 Media (Life Technologies) supplemented with 1% antibiotic/antimycotic prior to being processed in the laboratory.