Management of Descemet’s Membrane Detachment after Cataract Surgery—A Case Series

Abstract

Descemet’s membrane detachment (DMD) is an uncommon, vision-threatening, ocular surface complication of cataract surgery. Among several treatment strategies, sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) descemetopexy is the standard of care. Herein, we report three cases of DMD after cataract surgery managed with SF₆ descemetopexy, showing different outcomes. Anatomical success was achieved in cases 1 and 2 while intraocular pressure (IOP) was elevated in case 2. In case 3, despite SF₆ descemetopexy, recurrent DMD was observed. Due to persistent corneal edema and possible corneal decompensation in case 3, Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty was performed and a clear graft was found at the final visit. In conclusion, descemetopexy with 20 % SF₆ is an effective and safe procedure for repairing DMD in most cases. Pupillary block with elevated IOP is another concern and prophylactic peripheral iridectomy is recommended. For recurrent DMDs, repeat descemetopexy could be considered. However, close monitoring is advocated since secondary management, such as endothelial keratoplasty, may be required.

1. Introduction

Descemet’s membrane (DM) detachment (DMD), first reported in the late 1920s, is an uncommon but vision-threatening complication of cataract surgery [1]. The most common cause of DMD is cataract surgery [1] but other surgeries, such as iridectomy or penetrating keratoplasty, can cause DMD [2]. In cases of less severity, DMD may resolve spontaneously without treatment [3,4]. However, in cases of extensive DMD spreading to the corneal center, early surgical intervention is advocated to prevent corneal edema and decline in visual acuity [5,6].

There are several surgical interventions to manage DMD, including the injection of air, viscoelastic materials or expandable gases into the anterior chamber (AC) and suturing DM to the stroma [7]. Descemetopexy with air was first applied by Spark et al. in 1967 for extensive DMD and showed a good anatomical outcome [8]. However, AC tamponade with non-expansile and expansile gases such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) or perfluoropropane (C₃F₈) has recently gained popularity as a method to avoid fast absorption of air [9]. Zusman first reported SF₆ descemetopexy of an intractable DMD in 1987 [10]. Since then, both air and SF₆ have been used widely but no strong evidence supports what is the more appropriated gas to deal with DMD. Chaurasia et al. and Singh et al. have suggested air descemetopexy as a safe treatment option for DMD in most patients [11,12]; however, some researchers prefer the long-lasting effect of SF₆ descemetopexy [1,13]. Air resolution occurs within 3–4 days and might not be long enough for reattachment of the DM. Repeat descemetopexy to reach fair visual and anatomical outcomes in some cases may indicate the need for longer tamponade [14]. Although SF₆ descemetopexy had been proposed as initial management, it has different outcomes. For cases of failed SF₆ descemetopexy, further treatment remains controversial and is decided on a case-to-case basis.

Here, we report a case series of three cases of DMD that occurred after cataract surgery and managed with descemetopexy using a single injection of 20% SF₆. We analyzed the different conditions of the three patients, including the possible causes of the poor visual outcome with anatomical success in case 1, increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in case 2 and failed descemetopexy that resulted in corneal transplantation in case 3.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Ethics Statement

This case series included three eyes of three patients who were diagnosed with DMD after phacoemulsification surgery. Further, the outcomes after descemetopexy with 20% SF₆ were evaluated. We received signed informed consent forms from all patients. The cases were of category 4 of the 45 CFR 46.101(b) Categories of Exempt Human Subjects Research, which involves the collection or study of pathological specimens, diagnostic specimens, existing data, documents or records and requires these sources to be publicly available or recorded by the investigator in such a manner that the subjects cannot be identified directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects. Furthermore, the Institutional Review Board approval for the case series was not required as no identifiable information has been included in the paper.

2.2. Measurement Parameters

2.2.1. Best-Corrected Visual Acuity

Autorefraction was performed by experienced technicians. We used illiterate E’s Chart in an auto chart projector (Topcon, Japan) at a 6-m distance for visual acuity measurement. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was obtained by correcting the refractive error with suitable glasses. We recorded the distant BCVA with a constant numerator of 20 (20 feet) and a variable denominator that was translated from visual acuity in decimal notation (e.g., 20/20 equals to 1.0 in decimal notation).

2.2.2. Slit-Lamp Biomicroscopy

All the patients underwent a comprehensive eye examination with a slit-lamp biomicroscopy (Topcon, Japan), which consists of an intense light source that can narrow light into a slit and biomicroscope. Both the anterior and posterior eye segments were examined. The binocular eyepieces provided the examiner a detailed stereopsis view of the ocular structures. In the case of DMD, the slit lamp can reveal the extent (large area or not), location (peripheral or central) and distance of the DM separation from stromal side and the severity of the corneal edema. The volume of the degraded bubble in AC after descemetopexy was also documented.

2.2.3. Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography

High-speed anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT; Optovue, CA, USA) is a noncontact method using a 1310-nm wavelength to provide objective and high-resolution images. The structure of the anterior segment, such as the corneal thickness, DM, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and chamber angle, can be assessed and quantified. AS-OCT is particularly useful in the detection of early and minimal DMD when the corneal is edematous with poor visualization by slit-lamp biomicroscopy. The area of DMD delineated by slit-lamp biomicroscopy can be confirmed further by AS-OCT before and after intervention.

2.3. Descemetopexy with 20% SF₆

The descemetopexy procedure was performed under retrobulbar anesthesia and 5% betaiodine disinfection. A 0.2-mL 20% SF₆ injection was administered through a paracentesis via a bevel-up 30-gauge needle with a 1-mL syringe. The entry site was the site where the DM was still attached and filled with 70% of the AC volume. The patient was advised to remain in the supine position. Peripheral iridectomy (PI) was performed using Westcott scissors. The entry wound for the PI was sutured with 10-0 nylon. The procedures were all performed by the same operator in the operating room.

3. Results

3.1. Characteristics of the Patients

The patients’ demographic characteristics, including age, sex and clinical characteristics, including the operated eye, BCVA of the pre-cataract surgery, DMD diagnosis, post-descemetopexy 20% SF₆ injection, DMD features and time from surgery to descemetopexy are summarized in

Table 1. Demographics and clinical characteristics of patients with Descemet’s membrane detachment after cataract surgery.

Case	Age/Sex	Eye	Surgery	Pre-Cataract Surgery BCVA	BCVA at DMD Diagnosis	DMD Features	Time from Surgery to D-Pexy (D)	Surgical Procedure	Final BCVA
1	81/M	R	Phaco/IOL	20/200	20/800	Central, nonplanar	21	SF6 + PI	20/200
2	81/F	L	Phaco/IOL	20/60	NA	Central, nonplanar	intraoperative	SF6 and then PI	20/30
3	82/F	L	Phaco/IOL	20/100	20/200	Central, nonplanar	22	SF6+ PI and then DSAEK	20/50

BCVA = best-corrected visual acuity; DMD = Descemet membrane detachment; D-pexy = Descemetopexy; DSAEK = Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty; NA = not available; Phaco/IOL = phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation; PI = peripheral iridectomy; SF6 = sulfur hexafluoride.

. We described DMD as a either a planar or nonplanar type [15], depending on whether the DM and stroma separation was greater than 1 mm or not and as peripheral or central DMD [16], depending on whether the detachment area involved a visual axis or not, in our cases, on slit-lamp biomicroscopy and AS-OCT. The BCVA at DMD diagnosis of case 2 was not available and the DMD features were evaluated by an experienced operator only because the descemetopexy with 20% SF₆ was performed intraoperatively.

3.2. Case 1

An 81-year-old man, who had undergone a cataract surgery in the right eye 2 weeks before, presented with persistent corneal edema. The BCVA was 20/800 in the right eye. Examination revealed DMD in the central-lower portion with bullous formation (Figure 1A) and AS-OCT showed the same finding (Figure 1B). Descemetopexy with 0.2 mL of 20 % SF₆ and PI were performed. One day later, silt-lamp revealed corneal edema regression and AS-OCT showed DM reattachment (Figure 1C,D). Nine days later, the bubbles in AC had disappeared (Figure 1E) and the cystic edema had subsided (Figure 1F). Six months later, BCVA was 20/200 without obvious corneal edema (Figure 1G). The patient was lost to follow-up afterwards.

3.3. Case 2

An 81-year-old woman underwent cataract surgery in the left eye with a preoperative BCVA of 20/60. During the surgery, large and central DMD was noted and descemetopexy with 0.2 mL of 20 % SF₆ was performed immediately (Figure 2A). However, the IOP increased to 61 mmHg on the following day despite mannitol infusion and carteolol and brimonidine instillations. Three days after the initial cataract surgery, due to persistent ocular hypertension and suspected pupillary block, PI was performed and AC was partially filled with SF₆ to approximately 70 % in volume. The ocular hypertension subsided immediately after the intervention. Ten days later, the gas bubbles had decreased with a well-attached DM (Figure 2B,C) and AS-OCT also showed an attached DM (Figure 2D). Five months later, BCVA improved to 20/30 (Figure 2E) and persisted for 31 postoperative months.

3.4. Case 3

An 82-year-old woman underwent cataract surgery in the left eye with a preoperative BCVA of 20/100. One day later, persistent corneal edema was noted. Three weeks later, BCVA had deteriorated to 20/200 and DMD was found in the nasal portion on AS-OCT (Figure 3A). Descemetopexy with 0.2 mL of 20 % SF₆ and PI were performed. Four days later, DM had re-attached and BCVA had improved to 20/50 (Figure 3B,C). One week later, recurrent DMD on the nasal side had developed following gas resolution and BCVA had decreased to 20/100 (Figure 3D,E). Six months after the initial cataract surgery, due to persistent corneal edema and possible loss of DM on the nasal side, Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) was performed. Five months later, the corneal edema had resolved (Figure 3F) and BCVA had improved to 20/50 (Figure 3G,H). The patient was lost to follow-up afterwards.

4. Discussion

DMD occurs during several ocular surgeries, characterized by a demarcation line and detached DM on slit-lamp biomicroscopy [6,9].Tamponade with the injection of air, SF₆ or C₃F₈ in AC is effective and considered as the standard of care for DMD [1,9,17]. A previous study showed that air descemetopexy was comparable with SF₆descemetopexy [18] but the SF₆tamponade showed a better outcome than the air tamponade in endothelial keratoplasty and DMD refractory to air descemetopexy [19,20].C₃F₈descemetopexy illustrated an excellent reattachment rate in DMD [7] but the injection of C₃F₈ was less favorable because of its greater effect on IOP elevation compared to the injection of SF₆ [21]. In this case series, we chose 20 % SF₆ descemetopexy for an immediate intervention in patients with DMD.

In 2016, Samarawickrama et al. proposed the classification of DMD into two categories—peripheral and central DMD [16]. The central type was defined as DMD involving the visual axis, whereas the peripheral type was defined as DMD not involving the visual axis. The classification aims to provide clinicians guidance on whether surgical intervention is to be indicated. Peripheral DMD is often treated conservatively, while central DMD is indicated for early surgical intervention. Mackool and Holtz defined planar or nonplanar DMD according to the DM separated from the corneal stroma by less than or greater than 1 mm [15]. They assumed that planar DMD has the possibility of spontaneous reattachment and better prognosis. The nonplanar type should receive early surgical treatment. In our report, cases 1 and 3 had central and nonplanar DMDs. Thus, 20% SF₆ descemetopexy was performed. In case 2, DMD occurred intraoperatively and a large area with central detachment was observed. Although case 2 was not examined under slit-lamp biomicroscopy and AS-OCT at diagnosis, a nonplanar type was highly suspected. Immediate SF₆ descemetopexy was performed during operation.

In case 1, although DM reattached successfully and corneal edema and macular disease resolved, the BCVA was only 20/400. The poor visual improvement in case 1 may be caused by large, corneal center-involved and nonplanar DMD, which is defined as > 1 mm of detachment with a worse prognosis than the planar type [15]. The degree of endothelial cell trauma resulting from DMD was an indicator of persistent poor visual acuity [16]. A previous study suggested that early surgical intervention may benefit the anatomical success of DMD and prevent scarring of the cornea [22]. The surgical intervention in this case was performed in postoperative week 3 and prolonged surgical intervention is the possible reason for poor vision recovery.

Case 2 had elevated IOP one day after 20% SF₆descemetopexy possibly caused by pupillary block and expansible gas. The incidence of postoperative pupillary block was 7.7% in a previous study [14]. To prevent pupillary block and IOP elevation, cycloplegics, prophylactic PI, anti-glaucoma agents or partial filling of gas in AC can be used. Partial air–fluid exchange in AC could be performed to avoid fullness of expansible gases associated with IOP elevation. However, quick absorption of gas bubbles can reduce the efficacy of the tamponade and lead to a failed reattachment. Ocular hypertension and pupillary block in case 2 were possibly caused by no PI and AC filled with gas. PI and AC partially filled with SF₆ to approximately 70% in volume could reduce IOP and retain the efficacy of the tamponade in case 2. Due to prompt surgical management, IOP elevation did not compromise the final BCVA. The better prognosis of case 2 may be attributed to its misidentification as nonplanar DMD because of the unavailability of AS-OCT during surgery. However, immediate SF₆ descemetopexy in the same operation may play the most important role in the superior visual acuity in case 2.

The initial treatment for DMD was 20% SF₆ descemetopexy in the present cases. Case 3 was of recurrent DMD. There is no consensus on steps for the management of recurrent DMD after failed descemetopexy. Repeat injections of gases has been performed for recurrent DMD after the initial descemetopexy [14,23,24]. Jain and Mohan reported that attached DM was achieved with repeat descemetopexy in 12 of 13 cases of recurrent DMD (92.3%) [14]. In a study, 15% of patients developed recurrent DMD, with no significant correlation with age, cataract score, severity of DMD or preoperative visual acuity, which resolved with repeat descemetopxy [23]. In another study, three eyes that required repeat expandable gas injections had more than 50% of corneal involvement and marked separation of DM from the stroma or curling or folding of DM [24]. Case 3 was of large DMD and partial DM loss during cataract surgery was suspected. Therefore, DSAEK was performed instead of repeat descemetopexy.

5. Conclusions

Our case series analyzed the diversity and different outcomes of 20% SF₆ descemetopexy in three patients with DMD. Cases with poor visual outcome but attached DM eventually, avoidance of the pupillary block with elevated IOP and management of recurrent DMD were discussed in this study. Application of a new imaging technique for AS-OCT could precisely diagnose, classify and monitor the anatomical outcome, thereby providing guidance in the treatment decision making.

In conclusion, prompt intervention with descemetopexy using 20% SF₆ is often effective and safe in repairing DMD, including a large and central DMD. Pupillary block with elevated IOP is a concern, so prophylactic PI is recommended and proper treatment should be timely initiated. Repeat descemetopexy could be considered in cases of recurrent DMD. However, close monitoring is advocated since secondary management, such as endothelial keratoplasty, may be required.