Bilateral total Descemet’s membrane detachments after strangulation

The eyes of a 25-year-old male were collected by the Utah Lions Eye Bank after his suicide by hanging. Following dissection of the corneoscleral buttons from intact globes, bilateral detached Descemet’s membranes with subsequent scrolling in the periphery were observed. We believe these findings were caused by a large increase in intraocular pressure secondary to the hanging. Lens and anterior capsule fractures after hanging have been reported, but corneal damage has never been discussed. We invite transplant surgeons and eye bank recovery specialists to share their experience of similar corneal changes in donated eyes following strangulation or hanging.

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