Descemet's membrane detachment after cataract surgery: management and outcome

Descemet membrane detachment after heavy silicone oil removal from the anterior chamber

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to report a case of a central Descemet membrane detachment after heavy silicone oil removal from the anterior chamber.

METHODS

This is a case report of a patient operated with scleral buckling and heavy silicone oil implantation for recurrent retinal detachment. In the patient's follow-up examination, silicone oil was found to completely fill the anterior chamber. He underwent silicone extraction through a paracentesis from the anterior chamber. Immediately after the surgery, a central Descemet membrane detachment combined with corneal edema was identified on slit-lamp examination, and confirmed by anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The detached Descemet membrane was tamponaded successfully with the air bubble injection technique.

RESULTS

Four days later, the patient's cornea appeared to be clear, and the Descemet membrane was found to be attached to the corneal stroma with no presence of silicone oil in the anterior chamber.

CONCLUSIONS

Descemet membrane detachment is a possible and rare complication that occurs after heavy silicone oil removal from the anterior chamber.

Descemet membrane detachment after phacoemulsification surgery: risk factors and success of air bubble tamponade

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of air bubble (AB) tamponade for Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) after clear corneal incision phacoemulsification surgery and to evaluate the risk factors for DMD.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of patients with DMD managed with AB tamponade, within 42 postoperative days (PODs), over a 4-year period. Data collected were as follows: demographics, cataract density (Lens Opacities Classification System III), visual acuity, AB technique, clinical outcome, and total surgeries over the time period. Successful end points were DM reattachment and corneal clarity. Risk factors were assessed using a case-control study, with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses (significance at P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Incidence rate of DMD was 0.044% per year. Sixteen patients (mean age of 76 years) had AB tamponade for DMD, with corneal clarity restored in 14 cases (87.5%; n = 11 with 1 AB procedure, n = 3 with 2 AB procedures). The main clear corneal incision was the major site of DMD (n = 14, 87.5%). Pre-AB visual acuity was 20/100 and at 1 month, 20/40. Corneal clarity occurred by 30 days (range: 4-82 days) and remained clear throughout the median follow-up of 12.9 months. Significant univariate factors were as follows: age >65 years, nuclear sclerosis grade ≥4 (Lens Opacities Classification System III), preexisting endothelial disease, and first POD corneal edema. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed endothelial disease (odds ratio = 18.66) and first POD edema (odds ratio = 7.88) as significant independent risk factors for DMD occurrence (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

AB tamponade for DMD effectively restored corneal clarity in 87.5% of cases (14 of 16 eyes). Significant risk factors included endothelial disease and first POD corneal edema.

Intracameral illuminator-assisted advanced cataract surgery combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy in eyes with poor red reflex

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of intracameral illuminator-assisted advanced cataract surgery combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy in eyes with a poor red reflex.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon, Korea.

DESIGN

Interventional case series.

METHODS

Surgeon-controlled intracameral illumination was used for visualization during combined cataract surgery and 23-gauge vitrectomy. The main outcome measures were causes of the poor red reflex, value of the intracameral illuminator in specific cataract steps, and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The study comprised 17 patients (17 eyes). The main causes of a poor red reflex were vitreous hemorrhage in 8 eyes, vitreous opacity in 6 eyes, and corneal opacity, bullous retinal detachment, and globe deviation in 1 eye each. Horizontal or oblique intracameral illumination minimized the amount of corneal scatter and reflection of the illuminating light and provided high-quality intraoperative lens images in most surgical steps. In addition, excellent visibility of the lens capsules facilitated the removal of almost all lens epithelial cells from the capsular bag. In all eyes, completion of the capsulorhexis and in-the-bag implantation of an intraocular lens were accomplished. In 1 eye, a radial anterior capsule tear occurred during irrigation/aspiration. Postoperatively, the rate of anterior capsule opacification was 11.8% (2/17 eyes) and of posterior capsule opacification, 23.5% (4/17 eyes).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeon-controlled intracameral illumination provided excellent imaging and almost 360-degree visualization of the lens capsule structures. This capability can be used for challenging cataract surgery combined with vitrectomy in eyes with a poor red reflex.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Anatomic and visual outcomes of descemetopexy in post-cataract surgery descemet's membrane detachment

OBJECTIVE

To study the anatomic and visual outcomes of descemetopexy in Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) after cataract surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Clinical notes of 60 patients who underwent DMD after cataract surgery between 2007 and 2011.

METHODS

Descemetopexy was performed with air or 14% isoexpansile perfluoropropane (C3F8).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anatomical (reattachment rates) and functional results (best-corrected visual acuity) were studied. Secondary outcome measures were assessment of surgical complications and association of various factors with final visual outcome.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 64.3 ± 8.3 years, and the male:female ratio was 21:39. At 1 month, the mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) interval visual acuity (IVA) improved from 1.27 ± 0.8 to 0.42 ± 0.49 (P < 0.001). Five patients (8.3%) obtained 20/20 vision, and 37 of 60 patients (61.6%) achieved IVA of ≥ 20/40. Ninety-five percent (57/60) of patients had successful reattachment of the Descemet's membrane (DM) after the intervention. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that patients with a cataract score of 5 (estimate = 0.38; P=0.014), with a cataract score of 4 with compromised visibility due to a corneal opacity (estimate = 0.45; P=0.039), and prolonged duration between cataract surgery and descemetopexy (estimate = 0.012; P=0.007) were associated with a significantly poorer final visual outcome. No association of final visual outcome was observed with age; sex; eye treated; cataract scores 2, 3, and 4; preoperative visual acuity; and involvement of the visual axis (P > 0.5). The eyes in which air was used for descemetopexy (estimate = -0.2; P=0.009) had statistically significantly better final visual outcomes. Three patients (5%) had treatment failures and required subsequent endothelial transplantation. Pupillary block was observed in the early postoperative period in 7 patients (11.66%) in whom C3F8 had been used and was not seen with air (P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that DMD after cataract surgery can be treated effectively and good visual outcomes can be expected if the patient is treated in time with anterior chamber injection of gas. Air has advantages of better efficacy than C3F8 without the risk of pupillary block and thus should be preferred.

Descemet's tear due to injector cartridge tip deformity

Foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using an injector system through 2.8-mm clear corneal incision following phacoemulsification provides excellent speedy postoperative recovery. In our reported case, a Sensar AR40e IOL (Abbott Medical Optics, USA) was loaded into Emerald C cartridge, outside the view of the operating microscope, by the first assistant. The surgeon proceeded with the IOL injection through a 2.8-mm clear corneal incision after uneventful phacoemulsification, immediately following which he noted a Descemet's tear with a rolled out flap of about 2 mm near the incision site. Gross downward beaking of the bevelled anterior end of the cartridge was subsequently noticed upon examination under the microscope. We suggest careful preoperative microscopic inspection of all instruments and devices entering the patient's eyes to ensure maximum safety to the patient.

Descemet membrane detachment after trabeculectomy

Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) can be a potentially serious complication of intraocular surgery or ocular trauma. The cause is not very clear. We are trying to remind an awareness of the spectrum of DMD resulting from trabeculectomy by presenting a case of extensive DMD after trabeculectomy which was successfully repaired.

Treatment of inferior Descemet membrane detachment secondary to cataract surgery with air injection and supine head position

PURPOSE

To describe a case of a patient with inferior Descemet membrane detachment that resolved after injection of small air bubble and supine positioning.

METHODS

A patient presented two weeks after cataract surgery with inferior persistent corneal edema. A Descemet membrane detachment involving the inferior cornea was revealed. Injection of small air bubble was performed and the patient was advised to stay in a supine position for the next two hours and then as much as reasonably possible to allow the air bubble to press the Descemet to the posterior corneal stroma.

RESULTS

Five days after injection, the Descemet membrane was reattached to the corneal stroma and the cornea became clear without any evidence of edema. One month post-air injection the cornea remained clear and the Descement membrane attached.

CONCLUSIONS

Air injection with supine position was efficient for the resolution of inferior partial Descemet detachment after cataract surgery. The edema resolved without any further intervention.

Surgical repair of scrolled descemet's membrane detachment with intracameral injection of 1.8% sodium hyaluronate

We report the case of a 76-year-old woman with scrolled Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) that was successfully treated by an intracameral injection of 1.8% sodium hyaluronate. During phacoemulsification cataract surgery, an undulating DMD involving the central cornea was observed and air tamponade into the anterior chamber was performed. The patient underwent surgical repair 2 weeks after the unsuccessful intracameral air injection. To increase the tamponade pressure and surface tension on the scrolled flap, viscoelastic material was injected into the air-filled anterior chamber. Corneal edema started subsiding clinically after the injection of sodium hyaluronate. Descemetopexy with sodium hyaluronate can successfully repair scrolled DMD and injection of viscoelastic material into the air-filled anterior chamber facilitates unfolding of the scrolled flap of DMD.

[Visante® OCT findings of Descemet membrane detachment after refractive lensectomy: A case report]

Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) is a rare complication that occurs mainly after cataract surgery. We report the case of a 55-years-old woman who underwent refractive lensectomy. The Day-1 postoperative examination was unremarkable, the Day-7 examination showed corneal oedema related to DMD, which was confirmed by Visante(®) OCT. An intracameral injection of SF6 expansive gas allowed the reapplication of the membrane and the receding of corneal oedema. Through this observation, we discuss the pathogenesis of this uncommon entity and the contribution of Visante(®) OCT.

Wound architecture of clear corneal incision with or without stromal hydration observed with 3-dimensional optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To evaluate wound architectures of a clear corneal incision and the duration of stromal edema caused by intentional hydration in cataract surgery using 3-dimensional (3-D) cornea and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT).

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized study.

METHODS

On 30 eyes of 23 patients, cataract surgery was performed through a clear corneal incision created with a 2.4-mm blade. After confirming the water tightness of the clear corneal incision at the end of surgery, 15 randomly selected eyes received stromal hydration, and the remaining 15 eyes did not. Using the 3-D cornea and anterior segment optical coherence tomography, wound architecture was assessed 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in corneal thickness at the clear corneal incision between eyes with and without stromal hydration 1 day and 1 week after surgery (P < .001 and P < .05, Mann-Whitney U test), but not at 2 weeks after surgery. On day 1, gaping at the epithelial side was seen in 6.7% (2 eyes), gaping at the endothelial side in 30% (9 eyes), misalignment of the roof and floor of incision in 40% (12 eyes), and local detachment of Descemet membrane in 36.7% (11 eyes). These imperfections improved with time.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the 3-D cornea and anterior segment optical coherence tomography, detailed architectures of the clear corneal incision were investigated. It was found that the effect of stromal hydration lasted for at least 1 week after surgery.

Spontaneous reattachment of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty lenticles: a case series of 12 patients

PURPOSE

To review 12 cases of postoperative detachment and spontaneous reattachment of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) lenticles.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case series.

METHODS

This was a review of patients undergoing DSAEK at 7 institutions. Patients who had a significant detachment of their DSAEK lenticle during the postoperative period were identified and divided into 2 groups. Significant detachment was defined as either complete central interface fluid with bare peripheral attachment (group 1) or a free-floating lenticle in the anterior chamber (group 2). Patients who subsequently had a spontaneous reattachment of the lenticle were identified, with data regarding surgical technique and intraoperative and postoperative complications collected for analysis.

RESULTS

Our cohort consisted of 12 eyes of 12 patients who met the definition of significant postoperative detachment with subsequent spontaneous reattachment. Four patients had complete central detachment with peripheral attachment (group 1), whereas 8 patients had a free-floating lenticle (group 2). Ten of the 12 patients had a successful outcome as defined as an attached and clear DSAEK lenticle. In our study, reattachment was seen as early as 5 days and as late as 7 months after surgery, with reattachment in 9 of 12 patients by day 25.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous reattachment of detached DSAEK lenticles may occur during the postoperative period. The decision of when to bring the patient back for a rebubble ultimately must be made on a case-by-case basis.

Descemet's Membrane Detachment Caused by the Improper Injection of Sodium Hyaluronate

A case of a Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) caused by the inadvertent intracorneal injection of sodium hyaluronate was presented. This was concluded after chemical analysis of a viscous substance found in a patient's cornea showed to be a breakdown product of sodium hyaluronate. Surgical correction of the detachment included removing the viscous substance and tamponading the detachment with an air bubble. Although other gases such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) provide longer means of tamponade, they have increased postoperative risks like glaucoma associated with their use. Air can provide an effective means of tamponade with minimal postoperative risks.

Descement's Membrane Detachment Diagnosis Using a Very High Frequency Ultrasound Scanning System

A 74-year-old woman was referred to our institute due to persistent corneal edema after cataract surgery. Slit-lamp examination revealed severe total corneal edema (obscuring anterior chamber and iris). Using a very high frequency (VHF) ultrasound scanning system (Artemis 2, Ultralink LLC) descement's membrane detachment (DMD) was diagnosed. VHF ultrasound scanning system could be a useful instrument in detecting post-cataract surgery DMD especially in patients in which diagnosis is difficult due to significant corneal clouding.

Imaging of descemet membrane detachment after trabeculectomy using slit-lamp-adapted optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To report the use of slit-lamp-adapted optical coherence tomography (SL-OCT) in imaging 2 patients with Descemet membrane detachment following anterior chamber reformation after trabeculectomy.

METHODS

Two patients, with leaking and overfiltering blebs, respectively, developed Descemet detachments after reformation of flat anterior chambers with viscoelastics. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and SL-OCT were used to diagnose and monitor posttreatment outcome.

RESULTS

Biomicroscopic evaluation and SL-OCT imaging of the cornea revealed a Descemet detachment in both cases. One patient underwent intracameral air injection. Follow-up SL-OCT imaging revealed reattachment of Descemet membrane and reduced corneal thickness.

CONCLUSIONS

SL-OCT can be used to document and follow postsurgical detachment of Descemet membrane.

Descemet's membrane detachment caused by inadvertent vancomycin injection

Descemet′s membrane detachment is a condition with a wide range of etiologies. The most common cause is a localized detachment occurring after cataract surgery. We report a case of vancomycin injection-induced Descemet′s membrane detachment as a complication following a routine cataract surgery and its management.

Clear corneal incision architecture in the immediate postoperative period evaluated using optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To investigate clear corneal incision (CCI) architecture in the immediate postoperative period using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

SETTING

Prince Charles Eye Unit, King Edward VII Hospital, Windsor, United Kingdom.

METHODS

Thirty-four CCIs in 34 adult eyes were examined prospectively using the Carl Zeiss Visante anterior segment OCT imaging system within 1 hour of uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The CCIs were created using 4 widths of stainless steel blades (2.20 mm, 2.50 mm, 2.75 mm, and 3.20 mm). Immediately afterward, a Seidel test, an inverse Seidel test, and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were performed independently. The OCT images were randomized and masked before evaluation. Approval was obtained from appropriate research and ethics committees.

RESULTS

The mean CCI length was 1.61 mm +/- 0.26 (SD) (range 1.10 to 2.25 mm). The mean incision angle was 40.7 +/- 9.43 degrees (range 24 to 56 degrees). Five CCI architectural features were noted with the following frequencies: epithelial gaping (12%), endothelial gaping (41%), endothelial misalignment (65%), local detachment of Descemet's membrane (62%), and loss of coaptation (9%). A reduction in wound apposition up to 20% was caused by endothelial gaping and up to 25%, by loss of coaptation, in a bidimensional image. The mean postoperative IOP was 16.1 +/- 9.02 mm Hg (range 3 to 46 mm Hg). The IOP was lower with local detachment of Descemet's membrane (P<.1). Other CCI architectural features varied predicatively with IOP, but not with blade width.

CONCLUSIONS

Optical coherence tomography architectural features of endothelial gaping and loss of coaptation theoretically reduce CCI structural integrity in the immediate postoperative period. These features appeared to be more common at low IOP and could represent significant risk factors for endophthalmitis.

Donor Descemet Membrane Detachment After Endothelial Keratoplasty

PURPOSE

To describe histopathologic characteristics of an endothelial keratoplasty (EK) that was performed to treat a previously failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and in which the cornea failed to clear after partial detachment of Descemet membrane from the EK donor button. The Descemet membrane and endothelium from the PK were intentionally retained during the EK procedure.

METHODS

After EK, the cornea failed to fully clear in 5 months, and a PK was performed. The removed corneal button was grossly described and routinely processed for hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, with photographs taken of any pertinent findings.

RESULTS

Grossly on the endothelial side, there was some adherent iris pigment delineating an off-center fold in the EK Descemet membrane, consistent with intraoperative observation of a fold across the width of the donor button and postoperative slit-lamp images showing partial detachment of Descemet membrane. Microscopic examination revealed a recipient corneal button from a prior PK centrally and EK donor button attached posteriorly. Descemet membrane was not stripped from the prior PK during EK and was intact. No endothelial cells were detected on the PK Descemet membrane. The anterior stromal surface of the EK was well apposed to the prior PK Descemet membrane, with no pseudoanterior chamber or cleft of any type noted between them. The EK Descemet membrane had a central fold, and the endothelium was markedly attenuated.

CONCLUSION

The EK graft was well apposed with apparent good adherence to the recipient's prior failed PK, and early endothelial failure was attributable to partial Descemet membrane detachment.

A Combined Technique for Surgical Repair of Descemet’s Membrane Detachments

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Descemet's membrane detachments are an uncommon complication after cataract surgery that can result in severe visual loss. A combined technique of intracameral gas injection and transcorneal suturing for the repair of Descemet's membrane detachments is described.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this interventional case series, four cases of Descemet's membrane detachments with associated corneal edema observed following cataract surgery were successfully repaired using a combined technique of intracameral gas injection and transcorneal suturing.

RESULTS

In all cases, Descemet's membranes were successfully reattached using the aforementioned technique. In three cases, the associated corneal edema resolved postoperatively. In the fourth case, the patient required a penetrating keratoplasty for persistent corneal edema despite immediate anatomical success following reattachment.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined intracameral gas and transcorneal suturing appears to be an effective technique in the repair of Descemet's membrane detachments. Early intervention may prevent persistent or recurrent corneal edema.

Descemet’s membrane detachment after cataract extraction

BACKGROUND

Descemet's membrane detachment is a rare but potentially serious complication of intraocular surgery, most commonly cataract extraction. Small Descemet's membrane detachments typically resolve with topical medical therapy; however, larger detachments require surgical intervention. The most common surgical procedure is a gas-fluid exchange with 20% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) or 14% perfluropropane (C3F8), which is typically performed at the biomicroscope and is nontoxic to the endothelium.

CASE

A 77-year-old man underwent phacoemulsification with a posterior chamber lens implantation by clear corneal incision in the left eye. Visual acuity was 20/40 in the left eye 1 month postoperatively with persistent corneal edema. Visual acuity continued to deteriorate to counting fingers (CF), despite the use of topical hyperosmotics and steroids. At 2 months, a scrolled Descemet's membrane detachment was present from the incision site to the central cornea causing extensive edema. Anterior chamber injection of 14% C3F8 successfully reattached Descemet's membrane. Six weeks after surgery, the gas bubble had resolved, the central cornea was clear, and a curvilinear scar was present from 5:00 to 11:00. Visual acuity remained at CF owing to anterior capsular fibrosis. Anterior YAG capsulotomy improved the vision to 20/40.

CONCLUSION

Descemet's membrane detachment can have a devastating effect on vision. Timely management is imperative to preserve vision. This case shows the successful repair of Descemet's membrane detachment with 14% C3F8 after unsuccessful topical treatment.

Three cases of Descemet's membrane detachment after cataract surgery

Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) is an uncommon condition with a wide range of etiologies. More than likely, the most common cause is a localized detachment occurring after cataract surgery. We report three cases of Descemet's membrane detachment that occurred after uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgeries. The first patient was managed without surgical intervention, the second patient was treated using an intracameral air injection, and the last patient was treated with an intracameral perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas injection. All three patients recovered their vision following the reattachment of Descemet's membrane. The three patients were treated according to the extent of the detachment.

Surgical detachment of Descemet's membrane and endothelium imaged over time by in vivo confocal microscopy

A 90-year-old woman developed a large circular capsulorhexis-like defect in Descemet's membrane as a complication of small incision cataract surgery. Nine months post-surgery, in vivo confocal microscopic examination of the temporal mid-peripheral cornea revealed an endothelial cell density of 934 +/- 69 cells/mm2 (normal range 1566-3088 cells/mm2). Endothelial pigmented deposits were visible as scattered hyper-reflective areas on the posterior endothelial surface. Descemet's folds were also noted. In vivo confocal microscopy performed 3 years later showed the temporal mid-peripheral corneal endothelial density (in the region of the break) was 948 +/- 66 cells/mm2. A reduction of endothelial polymegathism and pleomorphism was observed. Imaging in the region of the temporal portion of the original Descemet's defect showed well-defined linear structures with hyper-reflective edges. Compared to 3 years previously, the cornea at the level of Descemet's membrane appeared to have greater reflectivity. This case demonstrates how microstructural changes in the cornea can be described and analysed over time with the assistance of in vivo confocal microscopy.

Managing intraoperative complications in cataract surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article surveys the literature from 2002 and 2003 and addresses a variety of complications that may arise during cataract surgery. Modern surgical techniques and technology contribute to the decreased incidence of complications. Surgeon experience, early recognition of potential complications, and optimal handling of events lead to better outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recognizing eyes preoperatively that are particularly at risk for having dysgenesis of the capsular bag, cortical-capsular adhesions, low endothelial cell reserve, dropped nucleus, and bag-lens dislocation will allow for contingency planning and appropriate tailoring of techniques. Capsular tension rings are indispensable for achieving in-the-bag implantation in the presence of weak zonules and zonulolysis. Viscolevitation to rescue sinking implants, avoidance of foldable lens complications, and proper lens placement with an open capsule are discussed. High-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy is a useful diagnostic tool. Noninjection sub-Tenon anesthesia is not benign. Complications have been documented that include traumatic optic neuropathy. Immediate diagnosis and a trial of corticosteroids could be vision saving. Mastering topical anesthesia is a worthy goal. In some cases, faulty instruments result in complications. Routine inspection of reusable instruments, or the use of disposable instruments is warranted. Though there is no FDA-recognized use, at the time of this writing, for trypan blue dye, it has become the world standard for intraocular staining because of its safety and efficacy. Clear corneal self-sealing incisions are increasingly mainstream and, when properly constructed, are extremely secure. The most significant trend for successful management of intraoperative complications this year is the increasing use of pars plana anterior vitrectomy. The ability to identify prolapsed vitreous by intracameral Kenalog staining is an invaluable tool. Surgeons depend on a team of nurses and technicians for optimal outcomes.

SUMMARY

With new technology and techniques highlighted by capsular tension rings, Kenalog vitreous identification, and fourth-generation fluoroquinolones, even complicated cataract surgery can result in optimal outcomes.

Descemet membrane detachment with hemorrhage after alkali burn to the cornea

PURPOSE

To report two cases of Descemet membrane detachment associated with hemorrhage after alkali burn to the cornea.

DESIGN

Observational case reports.

METHODS

We describe two patients with detachment of Descemet membrane associated with hemorrhage after alkali burns to the cornea.

RESULTS

Patient 1 received a splash of caustic soda to the face. Descemet membrane detachment with hemorrhage was present. An attempt at reattachment using intraocular gases failed. Patient 2 sustained a chemical burn secondary to an airbag injury. A thickened, detached Descemet membrane associated with a hyphema was evident.

CONCLUSIONS

Detachments of Descemet membrane associated with alkali burns are often accompanied by irreversible endothelial cell damage.