Purpose of review: Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) is commonly encountered after intraocular surgery and ocular trauma. Although its occurrence has been known for a long time, the disease course and its optimal management is not yet fully understood. This review aims to present an update on current trends in diagnosis and management of DMD.
Recent findings: Different causes as well as a variable course of disease exist for DMD. Although some DMDs reattach spontaneously with a good visual outcome, some corneas clear without the need for an attached membrane and a few corneas do not clear in spite of an attached Descemet's membrane. DMDs may be treated either conservatively or surgically, with many surgeons favouring an early surgical intervention especially for scrolled, extensive and sight-disabling DMDs. However, due to an unknown course of the disease, exact timing and nature of surgical intervention could not yet been fully defined.
Summary: Most DMDs can now be recognized and managed successfully with good visual outcome. However, optimal timing and treatment strategy for different DMDs remain an area to be explored for the best visual recovery for patients.