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BACKGROUND: Sclera is commonly preserved in glycerin or ethanol before being used for ophthalmic surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of bacteria to survive in sclera preserved in glycerin or ethanol. METHODS: Fresh sclera was inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa and transferred to preservative vials containing glycerin, 95% ethanol, or trypticase soy broth (control) and stored at room temperature. Pieces of sclera were removed from preservative at designated intervals over a 14-day period. The sclera was then homogenized, plated on blood agar, and incubated at 37° C. Colonies were counted at 24, 48, and 72 hours. RESULTS: S. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus were recovered from glycerin preserved sclera for up to 12 hours, 1.5 days, and 8 days, respectively. No bacteria was recovered from the ethanol preserved sclera. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteria cannot be recovered from ethanol preserved sclera but can survive in glycerin preserved sclera for at least 8 days. Ethanol may offer advantages over glycerin as a scleral preservative due to its greater antibacterial activity. [Refract Corneal Surg. 1 994; 1 0:38-40.)

BACKGROUND: Cyanoacrylate adhesive has been used to treat corneal perforations and stromal melting disorders. We examined the efficacy of aerosolization as a means of applying cyanoacrylate to the cornea. METHODS: Central corneal perforations were created with a 1-millimeter trephine in cadaver eyes. A small amount of N-butyl cyanoacrylate was delivered to the perforation site via aerosol. Experiments were also conducted with cadaver eyes which had received lamellar keratectomies to simulate corneal thinning disorders. RESULTS: Adequate seal of the 1-millimeter perforation was achieved following aerosol application of cyanoacrylate adhesive. In experiments conducted with eyes which had been perforated and those which received lamellar keratectomies, smooth anterior surface contours were achieved using the aerosol technique. CONCLUSIONS: Aerosolization may be an effective method of applying cyanoacrylate adhesive. [J Refract Corneal Surg. 1994;10:149-150.]