Descemet membrane detachment after Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy in a patient with fuchs dystrophy

Cornea. 2014 Oct;33(10):1103-5. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000000222.

Abstract

Purpose: Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) is uncommon. It most frequently occurs as a complication of intraocular surgery. The aim of this study was to report a case of DMD after neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy in a patient with Fuchs dystrophy.

Methods: We describe the case of an 89-year-old man suffering from Fuchs dystrophy, who underwent cataract surgery on his left eye. Three years later, the patient presented with posterior capsule opacification, which was treated using Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. The day after the procedure, the patient came back for emergency treatment because of an acute reduction in his vision caused by a DMD.

Results: Fifteen days after an initial treatment involving the injection of air into the anterior chamber coupled with ocular paracentesis, clinical examination revealed a significant improvement in visual acuity, reduction in corneal edema, and reattachment of Descemet membrane. These findings were confirmed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of DMD after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Capsule Opacification / surgery*
  • Cataract / complications*
  • Descemet Membrane / injuries*
  • Eye Injuries / etiology*
  • Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lasers, Solid-State / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Phacoemulsification
  • Posterior Capsulotomy / adverse effects*
  • Rupture
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Vision Disorders / etiology
  • Visual Acuity