The clinical need for corneal grafts in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

orneal pathology is considered the third leading cause of blindness worldwide, after cataracts and glaucoma, with 10 million people with bilateral corneal blindness [1]. An estimated 12 million people are waiting for a corneal transplant. 50 countries are considered self-sufficient, almost self-sufficient or adequate for corneal transplantation [1]. Most patients on waiting lists live in countries without an eye bank or do not have routine access to donated tissues.
Global data from a 2012 study, in which the Republic of Moldova also participated, show that 184.576 corneal transplants were performed in 116 countries out of the 148 countries participating in the study [2]. According to this study, the United States had the highest transplant rate - 19.91 per 100,000 population, followed by Lebanon - 12.21 per 100,000 population and Canada - 11.7 per 100,000 population, while the median of the 116 countries analyzed was 1.91 per 100,000 population. The global study quantified the considerable deficiency of corneal graft, with only 1 cornea being available for 70 needed. As with organs, the global demand for corneal graft to be transplanted goes beyond the available supply.