Evaluation of the McCarey-Kaufman technique of corneal storage.

We present our evaluation of the McCarey-Kaufman (M-K) method of corneal storage. Sixty-six rabbit corneas were stored in the M-K medium at 4 C for periods of four, eight, and 12 days. Endothelial viability was assessed, using the specular microscope, the phenomenon of temperature reversal, and known inhibitors of endothelial cell function. Our results support those of McCarey and Kaufman, who showed that rabbit corneas will remain viable when stored by this technique. We were unable to support the contention that M-K medium-stored corneas are functionally superior to those corneas stored in moist chambers in the conventional manner. An unsuccessful attempt was made to correlate the function of the endothelium with either its morphological appearance as seen through the specular microscope or changes in ultrastructure as shown by transmission electron microscopy.