Evaluation of broadband spectral transmission characteristics of fresh and gamma-irradiated corneal tissues

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clarity of gamma-irradiated sterile corneal donor lenticules. Methods: Broadband UV, visible, and near-infrared (200-850 nm) light transmission was measured through gamma-irradiated, sterile partial-thickness, and full-thickness donor lenticules and fresh corneal tissues and compared with standard acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) implants using a conventional spectrophotometer technique. Results: All tissues had high light transmission (≥ 90%) in the visible and near-infrared regions and very low (<2%) transmission below 290 nm. Differences in light transmission between irradiated and fresh cornea types were observed between 300 and 450 nm, which mirrored differences in light transmission through their respective storage solutions. Light transmission through partial-thickness irradiated donor lenticules was greatest across all wavelengths. All corneal tissues exhibited higher transmission than acrylic IOL implant across all wavelengths. Conclusions: Gamma-irradiated donor lenticules are comparable with fresh corneas regarding light transmission, with both partialthickness and full-thickness lenticules having greater transmission than standard IOL. We would expect the optical performance of gammairradiated donor lenticules to be comparable to fresh cornea if used for lamellar corneal procedures that do not require a viable endothelium.