Posters

Descemet's membrane tear and detachment one week after uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery: a case report

Poster Details

First Author: P.Dimitrakas GREECE

Co Author(s):    A. Mani   T. Stavropoulou   D. Pagoulatos   I. Georgalas   C. Koutsandrea        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To describe a case of successful treatment of Descemet's membrane tear and detachment after phacoemulsification in white mature cataract.

Setting:

1st Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

Methods:

79-year old glaucomatous woman was admitted to our Clinic for a routine cataract surgery. In the past, the patient has never had any ocular surgery, however she had a Yag-laser iridotomy performed in both eyes due to narrow angle. We performed phacoemulsification under local anesthesia & 2 OVDs (Viscoat & Provisc) were used in a "soft-shell" technique. The procedure was uncomplicated & no Descemet's membrane injury was noted intraoperatively & on the 1st postoperative day. One week later, the patient presented a tear & a partial Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) with corneal edema centrally located. Her BCVA was 20/200.

Results:

We decided a non-invasive management and the patient was treated with topical antinflammatory therapy for three months. Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) partially resolved within six months with a recovery of 8/10 (20/25) BCVA.

Conclusions:

Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) is a rare but serious complication of cataract surgery, especially 1 week postoperatively. Large Descemet's membrane detachments usually require surgical intervention with air bubble insertion, while small detachments typically resolve with topical medical therapy within few months.

Financial Disclosure:

None