Removal of Retained Descemets Membrane Using Femtosecond Laser

Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol. 2016 Jul-Sep;23(3):259-61. doi: 10.4103/0974-9233.171778.

Abstract

We present a unique method of retrocorneal membrane removal with a femtosecond laser (FSL). A 22-year-old male who had undergone penetrating keratoplasty had a retained retrocorneal membrane and a double anterior chamber postoperatively. The membrane was dissected completely with the FSL and the free-floating membrane was removed. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of retained Descemets membrane (DM). There was improvement in uncorrected visual acuity from 20/300 to 20/50. Central corneal endothelial cell count was 810 cells/mm(2) preoperatively and 778 cells/mm(2) postoperatively. Inadvertent retention of DM may be safely treated with the FSL. Clarity and viability of the existing graft can be maintained.

Keywords: Cornea Transplant; Descemets Membrane; Femtosecond Laser.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Chamber / pathology
  • Descemet Membrane / diagnostic imaging
  • Descemet Membrane / pathology
  • Descemet Membrane / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Keratoconus / surgery*
  • Keratoplasty, Penetrating*
  • Laser Therapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Acoustic
  • Postoperative Complications* / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications* / pathology
  • Postoperative Complications* / surgery
  • Visual Acuity / physiology
  • Young Adult