Retained Intraocular Perfluoro-n-octane After Valved Cannula Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment

To investigate cases of retained intraocular perfluoro-n-octane (PFO) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for retinal detachment (RD).

Retrospective, noncomparative case series of six eyes with retained intraocular PFO after RD repair. Clinical data were supplemented with an experimental silicone eye model.

A cluster of six cases of retained intraocular PFO after PPV for RD repair were noted shortly after transitioning to valved cannulas. PFO was noted in the anterior chamber (AC) and/or vitreous and removed with AC paracentesis, AC wash-out, and/or PPV. A silicone eye model demonstrated that PFO levels are maintained anterior to cannula insertion with valved cannulas only.

The authors hypothesize that anterior PFO fill using valved cannulas can lead to sequestration within the AC, zonules, ciliary sulcus, ciliary teeth, and/or capsular bag. They suggest vigilance in not overfilling PFO, particularly when transitioning to use of valved cannulas, to minimize the risk of intraocular retention.