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Perfluorodecalin corneal toxicity: five case reports
G A Wilbanks1, A J Apel, S S Jolly
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Ontario, Canada.
Cornea
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Residual perfluorodecalin (an intraoperative liquid) can cause corneal toxicity in retinal detachment repair patients. Prolonged contact with the corneal endothelium may lead to edema and, in severe cases, require keratoplasty.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Surgery
- Corneal Science
Background:
- Perfluorodecalin is a perfluorocarbon liquid utilized during retinal detachment repair.
- It is typically removed post-procedure, but retention can occur.
- No prior clinical reports documented consequences of retained perfluorodecalin in the anterior segment.
Observation:
- Five cases of residual perfluorodecalin in the anterior chamber contacting the corneal endothelium were identified.
- Patients were monitored for up to 18 months postoperatively.
- Four out of five patients developed corneal pathology due to prolonged contact.
Findings:
- Corneal edema occurred in three eyes within 4 to 13 weeks of perfluorodecalin contact.
- Two eyes necessitated penetrating keratoplasty for persistent corneal edema.
- One eye showed deep corneal vascularization without edema after 12 months.
Implications:
- Intraocular perfluorodecalin can induce corneal toxicity with direct endothelial contact for as little as one month.
- Some corneal changes may be reversible with perfluorodecalin aspiration.
- Further research is needed to investigate perfluorodecalin-induced corneal toxicity.
