Fundamental and clinical aspects of turkey corneal xenotransplantation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Relevance. This study presents the main anatomical and refractive characteristics of the turkey cornea as a potential xenograft for keratoplasty. Currently, more than 12 million people are on the waiting list for keratoplasty due to a shortage of cadaveric donor corneas. Recent scientific advances demonstrate the feasibility of developing a xenograft to address this significant deficit. Purpose. To evaluate in a series of ex vivo experiments, the main anatomical, topographic, morphological and refractive characteristics of the turkey cornea (Latin: Meleagris gallopavo) as a potential xenomaterial for keratoplasty. Material and methods. Enucleated turkey eyeballs (n=28) and corneoscleral discs (n=28) were used. The research protocol included: optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), measurement of the axial length, corneal diameter, and anterior chamber depth, assessment of endothelial cell density (ECD), autorefractometry, histological examination, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results. The studies established that the axial length of the turkey eye is 19.2±1.07 mm, corneal thickness is 510±26.5 μm, corneal diameter is 10.2±0.2 mm, and anterior chamber depth is 3.6±0.8 mm. The endothelial cell density was 3749±388 cells/mm², and the corneal refractive power was 55.4±2.63 D. The presence of Bowman’s membrane and densely packed collagen fibers was verified. Conclusion. The main anatomical, topographic, and refractive characteristics of turkey corneas — specifically thickness, diameter, refractive power, and histological structure — position the turkey cornea as a promising alternative to scarce human donor material. This warrants further investigation into its application as a xenograft in reconstructive corneal surgery. Keywords: cornea, keratoplasty, xenotransplantation, turkey, xenograft
Language: English
Subfield: Ophthalmology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204998034