[Selection criteria and results of medium-term storage of corneas for keratoplasty (author's transl)].

A double-staining technique allowing calculation of the percentage of dead endothelial cells in corneas during medium-term storage is described. A positive correlation was found between the thickness of the cornea and the time since death, and between the percentage of dead endothelial cells and the thickness of the cornea. A negative correlation existed between age and cellular density of the endothelium. Conclusions of these data provides practical applications for the selection of corneas for keratoplasty.