Margo JA, et al. - The goal of this study was to ascertain how chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mechanical ventilation time influence corneal donor endothelial cell density (ECD) and transplant suitability. A high proportion of cornea donors have respiratory disease prior to donation. Ventilation time >7 days influenced transplant suitability but the presence of COPD did not. Donors with COPD and donors who were mechanically ventilated had decreased cell counts. Longer ventilation times lead to increased cell loss. The presence of respiratory disease may influence tissue oxygenation and endothelial cell health.