[Treatment of Descemet's membrane detachment after cataract surgery : Successful visual recovery by repeated injection of air into the anterior chamber]

Abstract

Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) is a rare complication following cataract surgery. The characteristic clinical sign is a severe persisting corneal edema early after surgery without spontaneous improvement. Descemet's membrane can sometimes be seen partially floating in the anterior chamber. Optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment can help to determine the extent of DMD. The decision to choose a conservative watch and wait approach or a surgical intervention depends on the height, length and extent of the detachment as well as the localization in relation to the optical axis. Detachments of greater extent require surgical treatment and the first line treatment should be descemetopexy by injection of air into the anterior chamber of the eye. Subsequently, regular controls are necessary as DMD may require repeated air injections until reattachment of Descemet's membrane is achieved and the cornea becomes clear again.

Keywords: Corneal edema; Descemet membrane detachment; Descemetopexy; Optical coherence tomography; Phacoemulsification.