[Development in the diagnosis and treatment of Descemet's membrane detachment]

Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) is a complication of intraocular surgery and is more likely to be seen after cataract surgery. As an intraoperative event, DMD usually features wrinkles and edema on the posterior corneal surface or floating membranoid substance seen in the anterior chamber. Such edema is often seen as surgery-caused corneal edema and membranoid substance as the anterior capsule of the lens. Thus, DMD is easily clinically ignored, even though it is conveniently treated if timely observed. Serious consequences are not uncommon with any delayed diagnosis or treatment. Risk factors include advanced age, previous corneal endothelial lesions and glaucoma, as well as preoperative shallow anterior chamber. Clinical diagnosis is based upon intraoperative judgment, corneal edema diagnosed under a microscope or slit lamp and consequent floating Descemet's membrane. In serious cases, anterior segment OCT and UBM are required. Intracameral injections of air are traditionally adopted in the treatment. In less serious cases, patients see self-healing. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 143-149).