Abstract: A universal tissue preservation system including a storage container and a preservation media for corneal and other tissue storage. The universal corneal preservation system provides for closed system storage (media not changed) at 4.degree. centigrade under refrigeration for 1-14 days or 34.degree. centigrade storage in an incubator for at least 35 days (five weeks). The storage system provides for a quarantine technique insuring sterility, and a special media for maintaining cell viability and corneal deturgescence, (normal thickness). The corneal storage container provides for endothelial cell photography and media sampling. The preservation media can also be utilized in an open batch technique (media changed at regular intervals) for storage of corneas over one year. In addition, the preservation media can be used as an intraocular irrigation fluid during surgery.