Low oxygen prevents epithelial overgrowth of corneas in long-term organ culture.

Forth human corneo-scleral rings and 40 whole corneas with scleral rim were preserved in organ culture for up to six weeks in either normal (20%) or low (6%) oxygen concentration in the gas phase of the culture. Decreasing the oxygen prevented epithelial invasion of the inner side of the cornea without adversely affecting the condition of the endothelium. It is suggested that lower oxygen level might improve corneal preservation in organ culture.