Sulfur hexafluoride injection for Descemet's membrane detachment in cataract surgery.

Extensive Descemet's membrane detachment persisted after small incision cataract surgery in three patients. Unfolding and repositioning of Descemet's membrane by sodium hyaluronate (Healon) were followed by injection of sulfur hexafluoride 20% gas mixed with air to fill the anterior chamber. Initially, the gas bubble filled most of the anterior chamber; it disappeared over 7 to 9 days. Descemet's membrane remained attached, and the corneal edema cleared.