title: Descemet's membrane detachments post cataract surgery: a management paradigm.
abstract: Descemet's membrane detachments (DMD) are relatively common after cataract surgery and most do not require any treatment. However, if large DMD are not treated appropriately, significant visual morbidity can ensue. We aim to develop a guideline for the management of DMD post cataract surgery based on a retrospective review of all cases encountered at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia over a 4-year period from 2010 to 2014. We suggest conservative management if the visual axis is not involved; however, after 3mo surgical intervention may be warranted to prevent corneal sequelae. In cases where the visual axis is involved we suggest early intervention with air tamponade. The main risk factor for irreversible corneal oedema and subsequent endothelial transplant appears to be direct endothelial trauma rather than the DMD itself.
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Sydney 2000, Australia; Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne 3002, Australia.
authors.forename: Chameen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Samarawickrama
authors.affiliation: Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne 3002, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3002, Australia.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Beltz
authors.affiliation: Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne 3002, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3002, Australia.
authors.forename: Elsie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chan
keywords: Descemet's membrane; Descemet's membrane detachment; anterior segment optical coherence tomography