Descemetocele after intraocular lens implantation

A persistent central corneal epithelial defect progressing rapidly by stromal ulceration to descemetocele formation was observed in five elderly patients soon after cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation. The ulceration occurred in the absence of active inflammation or infection in otherwise clear cornea. Topically applied artificial tears, antibiotics, and corticosteroids failed to control the ulceration although bandage soft contact lens therapy and conjunctival flap helped stabilize the cornea in one case each. Spontaneous perforation in two cases necessitated penetrating keratoplasty.