One threat, different answers: the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cornea donation and donor selection across Europe.
Gilles ThuretEmilie CourrierSylvain PoinardPhilippe GainMarc Baud'HuinIsabelle MartinacheClaus CursiefenPhilip MaierJesper HjortdalJacinto Sanchez IbanezDiego PonzinStefano FerrariGary JonesCarlo GriffoniPaul RooneyKyle BennettW John ArmitageFrancisco C FigueiredoRudy NuijtsMor DickmanPublished in: The British journal of ophthalmology (2020)
Our data demonstrate significant differences between countries regarding donor screening algorithms based on precautionary principles and, consequently, a decrease in the donor pool, already constrained by a long list of contraindications. Fundamental studies are needed to determine the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission by corneal transplantation and guide evidence-based recommendations for donor selection to justify their substantial medical and economic impact.