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Published on: September 17, 2014
Bilateral Descemet membrane detachment after canaloplasty
Pat-Michael Palmiero1, Zeynep Aktas, Olivia Lee
1New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, New York 10003, USA.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|March 6, 2010
Summary
This case study describes bilateral Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) following canaloplasty surgery. The condition resolved spontaneously, suggesting potential anatomical predisposition alongside surgical factors.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Surgery
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Canaloplasty is a surgical procedure to treat primary open-angle glaucoma by enhancing aqueous outflow.
- Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) is a known, though uncommon, complication associated with intraocular surgeries.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old man with primary open-angle glaucoma developed bilateral Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) immediately after consecutive canaloplasty procedures.
- Clinical examination revealed unscrolled inferonasal DMD, clear corneas, and deep anterior chambers post-surgery.
- Gonioscopy demonstrated an intact, distended trabecular meshwork without suture issues.
Findings:
- Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) confirmed widely dilated Schlemm's canal, trabecular distention, and a retrocorneal hyperreflective membrane indicative of DMD.
- The bilateral DMDs were symmetrically located and resolved spontaneously within three months in both eyes.
Implications:
- This case highlights bilateral DMD as a potential complication of canaloplasty, possibly linked to surgical technique and patient-specific anatomical factors.
- Further investigation into anatomical predispositions may help mitigate the risk of DMD after canaloplasty.
- Spontaneous resolution of DMD suggests a favorable prognosis in select cases following canaloplasty.
