Lay summary
The human cornea is a transparent tissue that protects the inner contents of the eye, and it refracts light rays focusing them onto the retina. The cornea is prone to trauma, infection, degenerative disorders, and dystrophies. Corneal endothelial diseases are usually managed surgically with endothelial keratoplasties, and less frequently full thickness penetrating keratoplasty. These treatment options rely on the availability of donor corneal tissues. In New Zealand, there is a significant shortage of donor corneal tissues, and is constantly relying on oversea supplies.
We proposed the investigation and clinical trial of a novel therapy for the management of corneal endothelial failure through the use of cultured corneal endothelial cells. The treatment is faster, safer, and is an alternative to corneal tissue transplantation. The endothelial cells cultured from a single donor cornea could treat up to 300 eyes. A pair of donor eyes could serve the nation's annual need.