Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) intravitreal injection combined with argon laser photocoagulation for treatment of optic...

To evaluate clinical efficacy of combined sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas tamponade and laser photocoagulation for optic disc pit maculopathy (ODPM).

Eleven eyes of nine patients with optic disc pit maculopathy were treated with intravitreal injection of 0.6 ml 100% sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) combined with laser photocoagulation treatment. Patients were followed up for a mean of 28.54 months (range of 14-57 months) after treatment. The anatomical success was shown by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the functional outcome was judged by best corrected visual acuity.

Treatment with SF6 gas tamponade followed by laser photocoagulation in OPDM patients resulted in resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) in 82% of eyes after single injection. Repeated injection was needed in two eyes to achieve resolution of SRF. Visual acuity improved significantly from a mean of 0.83 ± 0.14 logMAR preoperatively to a mean of 0.26 ± 0.11 logMAR postoperatively. Visual acuity stayed stable throughout the follow-up period.

SF6 gas tamponade combined with laser photocoagulation represents simple, effective, minimally invasive treatment option for ODPM without vitreomacular traction. Repeated injection was required in some patients.