Frequency of Infection in Donor Eyes Post Mortem: a Method of Obtaining Sterile Eyes for Corneal Grafting.

THE use of corneal grafting has increased considerably in the last 15 years and it was therefore thought of interest to survey the frequency of infection and the bacterial strains found post mortem in the conjunctival sac and on the cornea in eyes suitable for use as donor eyes. We have also investigated the possibility of reducing the frequency of infection by pre-treatment with antibiotics. The normal bacteria of the cornea and conjunctiva have been the subject of several previous investigations. Fick (1887) published his findings in 85 conjunctival sacs in 57 individuals; 49 of the conjunctivae were normal and bacteria were found in 79-6 per cent. of them, 18-5 per cent giving a polymicrobial culture, and 12 per cent. being sterile. 36 conjunctivae showed evidence of chronic catarrh and all gave pos'ltive cultures. Barfoed (1953) examined the bacterial flora in 501 normal conjunctivae; 34 1 per cent. gave a pure culture, 21 4 per cent. gave a polymicrobial culture, and 44-5 per cent. were negative. In 533 cases of acute conjunctival inflammation, bacteria were present in 86-3 per cent. Rycroft (1956) found that 46 out of 107 donor eyes were infected.