Recurrent Descemet Membrane Detachment After Phacoemulsification Successfully Managed With Adhesive Viscoelastic Tamponade: A Case Report
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: POCAT014 | Type: Case Report | DOI: 10.82333/a878-f566
Authors: Dr Abilkaiyr Assan 1 , Dr Almira Bulgakova 1 , Dr Alua Aubakirova* 1 , Dr Gumarzhan Kazankapov 1
1Microsurgery Department,Kazakh Research Institute of Eye Diseases,Almaty,Kazakhstan
Purpose
Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) is a rare but potentially vision-threatening complication of cataract surgery. Extensive detachment associated with Descemet membrane rupture may lead to persistent corneal edema and poor visual recovery. We report a case of recurrent DMD after phacoemulsification successfully managed with intracameral adhesive viscoelastic tamponade.
Setting
Kazakh Eye Research Institute, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Report of case
A patient with complicated cataract and lens subluxation underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Intraoperatively a localized Descemet membrane rupture with detachment occurred. On postoperative day 1 severe corneal edema with Descemet membrane folds was observed and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.01. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography confirmed Descemet membrane detachment.
Initial treatment consisted of intracameral air descemetopexy. Temporary improvement was observed; however recurrent detachment developed after air resorption. Due to persistent corneal edema and repeated recurrence, intracameral adhesive viscoelastic was injected into the anterior chamber.
AS-OCT demonstrated progressive reattachment of the Descemet membrane with reduction of corneal edema. At one-month follow-up the cornea became transparent and BCVA improved to 0.8.
Conclusion/Take home message