Surgical repair of Descemet's membrane detachment

The aim of the study was to demonstrate a successful repair of Descemet membrane detachment (DMD). A 73-year-old woman with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma underwent phacoemulsification with flexible posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Because of inadequate pupillary dilatation flexible iris retractors were used. Four days after cataract surgery, a large DMD was recognized. One day later, the patient underwent surgical repair. Three long full-thickness 10-0 nylon sutures were used to fixate DM to the cornea. The next day, DM was completely attached and the cornea was clear. Final best-corrected visual acuity was 0.9. Iris retractors may increase the risk of DMD because the iris is more anterior to the cornea. Bimanual manipulation is recommended to avoid accidental separation. No clinical case of DMD repair has been previously reported, associated with flexible iris retractors and phacoemulsification. To achieve good visual results in extensive DMD we recommend early surgical treatment.