special report: long-term cryoprotectant-augmented deep freezing of the animal whole globe for the maintenance of corneal clarity

purpose : round-the-clock on-demand availability and corneal cloudiness are the two major problems with animal eyes for surgical practice. the purpose of this investigation is to assess the usability of long-term deep freezing for the preservation of enucleated sheep eyes and the adjunctive role of intracameral cryoprotective agent on corneal clarity. methods : thirty-two enucleated fresh sheep eyes were obtained from the slaughterhouse. with an insulin syringe, 0.5 ml of aqueous was tapped from the 16 right globes it was replaced by an equivalent intracameral cryoprotection solution. treated eyes were kept in receptacles filled with 1 cc of the same cryoprotectant and stored in a deep freezer (-80˚c). left eyes were served as controls (untreated globes) and stored in the same condition. six months later, globes were defrosted and corneal clarity was compared in a paired and masked fashion. results : all treated globes had clearer corneas as compared with untreated globes and they were all successfully applied for anterior segment surgical practice. conclusion : long-term deep freezing with adjuvant intracameral cryoprotectant is effective for the preservation of corneal clarity of animal whole globe. this allows round-the-clock on-demand availability of animal eyes with clear corneas for surgical practice in ophthalmology skill labs.    iranian journal of ophthalmology 201325(1):3-7 © 2013 by the iranian society of ophthalmology