A case report of spontaneously resolving Descemet’s detachment after cataract surgery

To report a case of large central Descemet’s membrane detachment (DMD) following cataract surgery and discuss the potential for spontaneous resolution as an alternative to surgical intervention. A 79-year-old male with a history of macular degeneration and ocular hypertension developed a large central DMD following cataract surgery complicated by posterior capsular rupture. The patient initially presented with severe corneal edema and an uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/200. Despite medical treatment, the DMD persisted, and surgical intervention was considered at week 4 post-op. However, the patient was lost to follow-up, and the surgery could not be performed. At a six-week follow-up, the DMD had resolved spontaneously, with the patient’s UCVA improving to 20/30 and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) to 20/20. This case demonstrates that large central DMDs (Descemet’s membrane detachments) can occasionally resolve spontaneously.