Descemets

Descemet's membrane, commonly referred to as Descemet's membrane, is a thin, acellular basement membrane of the cornea, situated between the stroma and the corneal endothelium. It is secreted by the endothelial cells and helps support the cornea's structure and barrier function.

The membrane comprises two layers: an anterior banded layer formed during fetal life and early infancy, and a posterior nonbanded layer that is laid down continually by the endothelium. It remains relatively thin but thickens with age as the posterior layer grows.

Functionally, the membrane provides a scaffold for the endothelium and participates in maintaining corneal dehydration and transparency by supporting the endothelial pump. Disturbances of Descemet's membrane can accompany corneal disease or trauma and may affect vision.

Descemet's membrane detachment can occur after surgery or injury, causing corneal edema until reattachment. Guttata, excrescences on the membrane, are associated with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. Surgical techniques such as Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty transplant donor Descemet's membrane with endothelium to restore corneal clarity.

The membrane is named after Otto Descemet, a Dutch ophthalmologist who first described it.