The ultrastructure of Descemet's membrane. II. Aphakic bullous keratopathy
D. H. Johnson, W. M. Bourne and R. J. Campbell
The ultrastructure of Descemet's membrane was studied by transmission
electron microscopy in nine corneal buttons from aphakic eyes with bullous
keratopathy. All nine corneas had abnormal collagenous material in the
posterior portion of Descemet's membrane. Five of the buttons had
abnormalities in layers of Descemet's membrane secreted at an early age.
These abnormalities are evidence of endothelial dysfunction long before
cataract extraction. In the remaining four corneas, the Descemet's membrane
secreted prior to cataract extraction remained relatively normal, despite
corneal endothelial decompensation for up to five years. Thus, the layers
of Descemet's membrane remain relatively unchanged after their formation
and serve as a historic record of one aspect of endothelial function.
