PURPOSE: The aim of our presentation is to introduce future eye bank product - corneal stromal lenticule from living donors, which can be used for allotransplantation. METHODS: ReLEx (refractive lenticule extraction) SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) is a common approach in laser eye surgery. It is minimally invasive and flap-free procedure. During this procedure part of corneal stroma (lenticule) is created by femtosecond laser and consequently removed through small incision. The lenticule is basically waste material of the ReLEx SMILE procedure. In the International Eye Bank of Prague, we decided to establish new protocol for lenticule withdrawal, storage and release for transplantation. RESULTS: All donors signed an informed consent, and their serum was tested for the presence of infectious diseases. After ReLEx SMILE procedure the lenticule was stored in container with cryopreservation solution and frozen in the eye bank using the same protocol for frozen amniotic membrane. After 6 months in -80°C tissues were defrosted and examined histologically, using conventional light histology staining and electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: We believe, that lenticule from living donor is a safe and effective tissue, that can be used for many indications and in particular situations represents good alternative to whole donor cornea and amniotic membrane.

International eye bank of Prague Vinohrady Teaching Hospital Czech Republic

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