Trends in Corneal Transplantation at a Mexican Ophthalmological Center: 12 Years of Experience.

Purpose: To analyze the trends and characteristics of eye banking and corneal transplantation over a 12-year period at an ophthalmological center in Mexico City.

Methods: We performed a retrospective, descriptive study including all patients who underwent corneal transplantation at a Mexican ophthalmology reference center between January 2011 and December 2022. Statistical analyses were conducted with data reported as complete counts or mean with standard deviations. Comparisons were made using independent t-tests. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 1251 corneal transplants were performed during the study period. The most common indications for transplantation were bullous keratopathy (23.4%), keratoconus (22.9%), and previous graft failure (12.8%). The mean recipient age was 52.8 years, with a slight male predominance (51.9%). Systemic comorbidities included hypertension (21.7%) and diabetes mellitus (13.7%). Donor characteristics revealed a mean death-to-procurement time of 7.98 hours and a mean procurement-to-transplantation time of 16.3 days-14.2 days for optical corneas and 38.8 days for tectonic tissue. The average endothelial cell count was 2884 cells/mm2. Penetrating keratoplasty was the most frequently performed surgical technique.

Conclusions: This 12-year analysis provides valuable insight into corneal transplant trends in Mexico. The findings highlight the ongoing reliance on imported tissue and the predominance of penetrating keratoplasty. Strengthening national eye banking systems and donation culture is essential to improve access and outcomes in corneal transplantation.