Descemetocele

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                      General Information



A descemetocele is a serious condition that requires special and

somewhat urgent handling.  It is similar to a thin, inflated

inner tube precariously bulging through a hole in a tire.



The cornea is the clear front layer of the eyeball and is

composed of 4 distinct layers.  The third deepest layer is both

delicate and elastic.  The descemetocele is the thin, clear

bulge consisting of the inner layers of the cornea protruding

through the damaged outer layers.  The delicate descemetocele may

readily rupture.  If it does, it is a serious and immediate

threat to vision in that eye.  It may be caused by any disease or

injury that results in a deep corneal ulcer.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  In most cases, surgical correction under general anesthesia

    is required to reinforce the cornea during healing.



2.  The patient's activity must be curtailed during the healing

    period.



        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * The sutures (if present) are lost or become loosened.



    * Continual pain or discomfort is evident.



    * You cannot apply the medication as prescribed.