[An objective rapid testing method for viability of corneal endothelium after conservations (author's transl)].

An objective procedure for assessing damage to corneal endothelium is described; it is based on photometrical determination of the dye toluidine blue absorbed by damaged cells. This inexpensive quick test is suitable both for preoperative assessment of grafts and for checking procedures for cornea conversation. The use of the peripheral region of the endothelium enables the remaining central trephined portion in transplantations. When this procedure was used to conserve pig corneae in the moist chamber there was a slight increase in damage by the ninth day. By the 17th day all the endothelial cells were damaged.