Intracameral C3F8 Injection for Descemet Membrane Detachment After Phacoemulsification in Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To report a case of Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) after cataract surgery in an operated case of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). METHODS: Phacoemulsification surgery with intraocular lens implantation was performed in the left eye of a 65-year-old woman who had previously undergone DALK. DMD was noted intraoperatively, for which intracameral injection of air was done at the end of surgery. On the first postoperative day, DMD was seen, and hence, intracameral 20% sulfur hexafluoride (SF(6)) gas was injected. Because the DMD did not resolve, intracameral 14% C(3)F(8) gas was injected on the seventh postoperative day. RESULTS: At the 3-week follow-up, complete resolution of DMD was seen. CONCLUSIONS: DMD that occurs during phacoemulsification in a case that has previously undergone DALK can be effectively and safely resolved using intracameral C(3)F(8) gas injection.