2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
11 Lens and Cataract
Chapter 10: Intraoperative Challenges in Cataract Surgery
Corneal and Conjunctival Complications
Descemet Membrane Detachment
Descemet membrane detachment can occur when an instrument or IOL is introduced through the incision or when fluid or an OVD is inadvertently injected between the Descemet membrane and the corneal stroma. This complication results in stromal swelling and localized epithelial bullae (Fig 10-2). Small detachments may resolve spontaneously; otherwise, the membrane may be reattached with air or an expansile gas (eg, sulfur hexafluoride [SF6] or perfluoropropane [C3F8]) tamponade in the anterior chamber. Larger detachments can be sutured back into place under gas or an OVD.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 11 - Lens and Cataract. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.