Descemetocele is an ophthalmic condition
characterised by thinning of the stroma of the cornea
(of the eye)
to such extent that Descemet's
membrane is the only layer maintaining the integrity of the eyeball.
However, short descriptions and definitions of this term/condition vary.
For example, descemetocele is also described by some
sources as simply a "bulging forward" of Descemet membrane,
by other sources as a "hernia of Descemet's membrane",
and by other sources (similarly) as a "protrusion of Descemet's
membrane through the cornea".
Considering the range of definitions of descemetocele
in different textbooks and dictionaries, the most general, but simplified,
version to encompass all the variations is perhaps:
Descemetocele is an ophthalmic condition
involving disturbance of, or in the region of, the Descemet's
membrane (of the cornea of the eye).
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To fully appreciate even this simple definition of descemetocele,
it is necessary to appreciate what is meant by the term "Descemet's
membrane" and especially where it is located within the eye.
Clarification:
Descemet's membrane is the membrane that
forms the deepest layer of the stroma of the cornea
of the eye. It is located between the stroma and the endothelial
layer of the cornea and ranges up to a thickness of 8-10 µm
(in adults).
Descemet's membrane is named after French
Anatomist, Jean Descemet (1732 - 1810). |
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Descemetocele may be due to a severe ulceration of the
cornea, i.e. a severe break through the layers that form the cornea. More
information may therefore be found among descriptions of "corneal
ulcers" and their effects.
See also corneal
dystrophies for information about other conditions of the cornea.
More about Ophthalmology: This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and definitions
of parts of the retina, and the section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
For further information see also our section of Books
about Ophthalmology. |
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This Section
is about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Eyes and Visual System.
To read about other diseases, disorders, or conditions of the eye and
human visual system, use the links on the left-side of this page.
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