[Treatment of complicated retinal detachment. Intraoperative use of perfluorodecalin]

Perfluorodecalin was injected into the vitreous cavity of 36 eyes during vitreous surgery for complicated retinal detachment. This low-viscosity liquid is immiscible with water, chemically inert and has a high specific gravity. In all cases the posterior retina was flattened without the need for a posterior retinotomy for drainage of subretinal fluid. Injection of the fluid caused stabilization of the retina and improved removal of peripheral epiretinal membranes. In 1 case a retinal break occurred during injection of the liquid and perfluorodecalin entered the subretinal space. In 4 eyes a small mobile droplet of residual perfluorodecalin was observed post-operatively. During follow-up periods of up to 11 months no retinal changes caused by the residual liquid were observed.