Our Summary

This research paper looks at how Italy’s COVID-19 lockdown affected the nation’s eye banks, which store and distribute donated corneas for transplants. The researchers compared data from the lockdown and the month after with data from the same periods in 2019 and 2018. They found that the number of donated corneas significantly decreased in 2020 compared to previous years. Similarly, the number of corneas distributed during the lockdown was much lower than in previous years. The number of corneas that were wasted because surgeries were postponed or cancelled also rose sharply. Forty-five donated corneas were rejected based on the guidance from the Italian National Health Institute and National Transplant Centre. In short, the pandemic has significantly affected the eye banks’ ability to collect and distribute corneas, and these challenges are expected to continue.

FAQs

  1. How did Italy’s COVID-19 lockdown affect the nation’s eye banks?
  2. How did the number of donated corneas in 2020 compare to previous years due to the lockdown?
  3. What impact did the pandemic have on the number of corneas that were wasted or rejected?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering a corneal transplant to be aware of potential delays or changes in the availability of donor corneas due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on eye banks. They may recommend staying in close communication with their healthcare provider and being flexible with scheduling to accommodate any potential changes in the transplant process.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for a corneal transplant include those with:

  1. Corneal scarring: Scar tissue can affect the clarity of the cornea, leading to vision problems.

  2. Keratoconus: A condition in which the cornea thins and bulges outward, causing distorted vision.

  3. Fuchs’ dystrophy: A progressive disease that causes the cornea to swell and become cloudy.

  4. Corneal ulcers: Infections or injuries that can cause severe damage to the cornea.

  5. Corneal edema: Swelling of the cornea that can lead to vision impairment.

  6. Corneal degeneration: Age-related changes that can affect the clarity of the cornea.

  7. Traumatic injuries: Severe injuries to the cornea that cannot be repaired with other treatments.

  8. Failed previous corneal transplant: In cases where a previous corneal transplant has failed, a repeat transplant may be necessary.

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist to determine if a corneal transplant is the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before Corneal Transplant:

  1. Patient experiences vision loss or blurry vision due to corneal damage or disease.
  2. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist who recommends a corneal transplant as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes a thorough eye examination and evaluation to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a corneal transplant.
  4. Patient is placed on a waiting list for a suitable donor cornea.
  5. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation for the transplant surgery.

After Corneal Transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes corneal transplant surgery, which typically takes 1-2 hours to complete.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period for any complications or signs of rejection.
  3. Patient is prescribed medications to prevent infection and rejection of the transplanted cornea.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor the healing process and ensure the success of the transplant.
  5. Patient may experience temporary vision fluctuations and glare sensitivity as the eye heals.
  6. Over time, the transplanted cornea gradually integrates with the surrounding tissue, improving vision and alleviating symptoms of the underlying eye condition.
  7. Patient may need to continue with regular eye exams and medications to maintain the health of the transplanted cornea in the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the availability of corneas for transplant surgeries?
  2. What safety measures are in place to ensure that donated corneas are free from the virus?
  3. Are there any changes in the criteria for accepting or rejecting donated corneas during the pandemic?
  4. How has the backlog of postponed or cancelled transplant surgeries affected wait times for patients in need of a corneal transplant?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for patients who are unable to receive a corneal transplant during this time?
  6. How can patients ensure that they are taking the necessary precautions to protect their eyes and prevent any potential complications while waiting for a corneal transplant?
  7. What steps are being taken to address the challenges faced by eye banks in collecting and distributing corneas during the pandemic?
  8. How can patients stay informed about any updates or changes in the availability of corneas for transplant surgeries in their area?
  9. Are there any support resources available for patients who may be experiencing anxiety or uncertainty about their corneal transplant surgery during this time?
  10. What are the long-term implications of the pandemic on the corneal transplant process, and what steps are being taken to mitigate these challenges in the future?

Reference

Authors: Aiello F, Genzano Besso F, Pocobelli G, Gallo Afflitto G, Colabelli Gisoldi RAM, Nucci C, Ponzin D; Italian Society Eye Bank Group (SIBO).. Journal: Cell Tissue Bank. 2021 Dec;22(4):697-702. doi: 10.1007/s10561-021-09934-8. Epub 2021 May 24. PMID: 34028630