Transplantation of cornea and amniotic membrane in Bulgaria – retrospective analysis based on the public registry of the Executive Agency Medical Supervision

Goal Analysis of the trends for taking, processing, cultivation and storage of eye tissue in Bulgaria and proposing a strategy for improving the quality of transplantation nationwide. Methods Retrospective, documentary analysis of trends in tissue procurement and corneal and amniotic membrane transplantation in the last 10 years, based on the published register. A geographical map is created depicting the popularity of transplantation and the allocation of registered eye banks. Results The results demonstrate a concentration of corneal transplantations in Sofia city (74%) and amniotic membrane in Varna (81%), which is in line with the territorial distribution of eye banks and their connection to medical institutions. The number of corneal banks is three, which provides between 200 and 300 transplants per year. The number of the amniotic membrane banks is the same, however the tendency there is an exponential increase in the amniotic membrane transplantations on the anterior surface of the eye. Conclusion The analysis shows an uneven distribution of transplantation in Bulgaria and the need for centralization and proper vertical distribution of procurement and transplantation of eye tissues. A fully functional eye bank on the territory of Varna will solve many logistical problems and will undoubtedly lead to a more even coverage of the territory of Bulgaria with a better opportunity for eye tissue transplantations.