title: Incidental central tear in Descemet membrane endothelial complex during Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty.
abstract: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) was performed in a 70-year-old man diagnosed with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. During Descemet endothelial complex (DEC) preparation, a central tear was noticed in the DMEK graft. However, the surgery was continued. On sixth postoperative day, a small fluid pocket was observed between the DEC and the posterior host stroma in inferior third of the graft area. It was, however, decided to observe it for spontaneous attachment. At 2 weeks, the inferior DEC detachment had increased with overlying corneal oedema. Descemetopexy with 100% air was performed the same day which reattached the DEC. Subsequently, DEC remained attached and at the last follow-up of 2 months, DEC was well opposed with a clear overlying cornea. The final best-corrected Snellen's visual acuity was 20/60. A small tear in the DEC does not necessitate tissue replacement and a good anatomical and visual outcome can be achieved in such cases.
authors: Department of Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, Sanjivni Eye Care, Ambala, Haryana, India.
authors: Vikas
authors: V
authors: Mittal
authors: Department of Vitreo-retina Services, Sanjivni Eye Care, Ambala, Haryana, India.
authors: Ruchi
authors: R
authors: Mittal
authors: Department of Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India.
authors: Rajat
authors: R
authors: Jain
authors: Department of Cornea and Anterior Segment Services, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors: Virender S
authors: VS
authors: Sangwan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D003886:Descemet Membrane; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal; D006801:Humans; D022125:Lacerations; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D019737:Transplants / Q000293:injuries*; D014792:Visual Acuity