08/06/2026
Descemet Membrane Detachment (DMD)
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Descemet Membrane Detachment (DMD) occurs when Descemet's membrane and the corneal endothelium separate from the posterior corneal stroma. It is an uncommon but important cause of persistent corneal edema and reduced vision, particularly after intraocular surgery.
What is Descemet's Membrane?
• Basement membrane of the corneal endothelium
• Located between the corneal stroma and endothelial cells
• Provides structural support to the endothelium
• Essential for maintaining corneal clarity
Common Causes
• Cataract surgery
• Corneal transplantation procedures
• Glaucoma surgery
• Ocular trauma
• Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK)
• Surgical instrument misplacement within the cornea
Signs
• Corneal edema
• Descemet membrane folds
• Corneal haze
• Reduced visual acuity
• Double anterior chamber appearance in severe cases
• Persistent postoperative corneal swelling
Symptoms
• Blurred vision
• Glare and halos
• Decreased contrast sensitivity
• Foreign body sensation
• Mild ocular discomfort
Diagnosis
• Slit-lamp biomicroscopy
• Anterior Segment OCT (AS-OCT)
• Ultrasound biomicroscopy in selected cases
AS-OCT Findings
• Detached hyperreflective Descemet membrane
• Membrane folds or scrolling
• Separation between stroma and Descemet membrane
• Assessment of detachment size and location
Classification
• Planar DMD – separation less than 1 mm
• Non-planar DMD – separation greater than 1 mm
• Peripheral DMD
• Central DMD
• Extensive DMD involving the visual axis
Management
• Observation for small peripheral detachments
• Intracameral air injection (Descemetopexy)
• Intracameral gas injection (SF₆ or C₃F₈)
• Appropriate postoperative positioning
• Repeat descemetopexy if required
• Corneal transplantation in advanced cases
Prognosis
• Excellent with early diagnosis and treatment
• Better outcomes when reattachment occurs promptly
• Delayed treatment may lead to permanent corneal decompensation and visual loss
Clinical Pearl
• Persistent corneal edema after cataract surgery should always raise suspicion for Descemet Membrane Detachment. AS-OCT is the most valuable tool for confirming the diagnosis and guiding treatment.