Case Report

Volume: 8 | Issue: 9 | Published: Nov 05, 2024 | Pages: 205 - 208 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr.173-1723285057

Descemet’s membrane detachment during cataract surgery: a case report


Authors: Aina Pons , Cristina Christian , Abhinav Loomba , Sid Goel


Article Info

Authors

Aina Pons

Central Middlesex Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Harrow, UK.

Cristina Christian

St James Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Harrow, UK.

Abhinav Loomba

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Harrow, UK.

Sid Goel

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Harrow, UK.

Publication History

Received: August 10, 2024

Accepted: September 19, 2024

Published: November 05, 2024


Abstract


Background:

Descemet’s membrane detachment is a possible complication after cataract surgery and has been reported to happen in 0.5% of cases after cataract surgery.
Case Presentation:

A 77-year-old male patient underwent right eye cataract surgery and presented 2 weeks after surgery with decreased visual acuity (CF) in the operated right eye. There was generalized cornea edema and the Descemet’s membrane (DM) was noticed to be detached at 80% of the corneal surface. At 12 days postoperatively, a descemetopexy with intracameral air bubble was performed following the principles of endothelial keratoplasty. On follow-up, the visual acuity in the right eye was 6/7.5 with complete corneal clarity at 2 months.
Conclusion:

arly recognition and surgical intervention of a DM detachment at cataract surgery are likely to enable
resolution without the need for a transplant. If suspected or identified at the end of surgery, anterior chamber air insertion is recommended. It is important to note that separated DM can mimic a retained anterior capsule flap. Care must be taken when considering removal of any clear membranes at the end of cataract surgery.


Keywords: Descemet´s, detachment, descemetopexy, outcome, prevention.