An alternative technique for Descemet's membrane detachment following phacoemulsification: case report and review of literature.

Background: Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) is one of the most serious complications of modern cataract surgery. We present an alternative technique for management of DMD with a review of the literature on current strategies for the treatment of DMD.

Methods: A 74-year-old woman developed DMD after phacoemulsification and failed the first descemetopexy with air tamponade. An alternative method was used to drain the pre-descematic fluid and reposition the detached Descemet's membrane in this rare case. This technique involved completely filling the anterior chamber with an intracameral air injection, followed by using a 23-gauge needle to puncture the peripheral cornea to drain the pre-descematic fluid. The Descemet's membrane was completely reattached to the stroma during the follow-up.

Conclusions: Drainage of pre-descematic fluid combined with intracameral air tamponading was used as an alternative surgical option for the management of this severe case of DMD.