A corneal and whole eye globe bovine ex vivo model to mimic human donor corneal storage conditions and eye surgeries

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a bovine ex vivoex vivo model to simulate human donor corneal storage conditions and assess the feasibility of human eye surgeries in bovine eye bulbs. Methods: Calf eye bulbs (n = 19) were obtained from local slaughterhouses. Ten corneas were excised, with five maintained in hypothermic storage (2–8 °C): corneal quality parameters, including endothelial cell (EC) density (ECD), EC mortality and morphology, corneal transparency, and central corneal thickness, were monitored up to 14 days of preservation. Five corneas were assigned to non-vital imaging techniques to investigate cell and nuclei morphology. Human donor corneas (n = 5) in hypothermic storage were assessed as a control group. Nine bovine eye bulbs were used to mimic human eye surgeries, including capsulorhexis and open-sky vitrectomy with inner limiting membrane (ILM) removal, to evaluate their feasibility in the bovine model. Results: Calf corneal endothelia exhibited a regular mosaic of hexagonal-shaped cells with oval-shaped nuclei and occurrence of binucleated cells. Calf ECD and EC morphology remained stable during the storage, although EC mortality and CCT increased, and corneal transparency and VECD decreased over time. ECD, EC mortality, and CCT were significantly higher in calf than in human corneas, while corneal transparency was lower. ECD change and EC morphology were statistically comparable between the two species. In the whole eye bulb, the narrow horizontal pupil reduced posterior chamber visualization, necessitating an open-sky approach for vitrectomy and ILM removal. Capsulorhexis was performed following complete iridectomy. Conclusions: The presented bovine model offers a reliable alternative to human donor tissues for preliminary studies on corneal preservation and ophthalmic surgical procedures.