Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:Perfluorohexyloctane is a semifluorinated alkane that has been recently approved for intraocular use in Canada. Unlike other high specific gravity vitreous substitutes, perfluorohexyloctane may be left in the eye, permitting support of the inferior retina. We report on our experience using perfluorohexyloctane as a temporary vitreous substitute for the repair of complicated retinal detachments. Methods:Retrospective case series of 14 patients (8 males and 6 females) in which perfluorohexyloctane was used as a temporary vitreous substitute. Results:The indications for the use of perfluorohexyloctane included: 2 giant retinal tears, 1 inferior retinal detachment with choroidal detachment, 2 inferior retinal detachments without proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), and 9 retinal detachments with PVR of which 4 required large inferior retinectomies. Perfluorohexyloctane was removed after an average of 10.9 weeks. The average number of surgeries prior to perfluorohexyloctane use was 1.1. Anatomic reattachment was achieved in all 14 eyes. The mean duration of followup after removal of perfluorohexyloctane was 16.5 weeks. Complications included formation of pupillary membranes (2 eyes), epiretinal membranes (12 eyes), transient glaucoma (7 eyes), corneal edema (2 eyes), hypotony (1 eye), anterior migration of perfluorohexyloctane (2 eyes) and cataract (1 eye). Conclusions:Perfluorohexyloctane is an effective vitreous substitute for the repair of complex retinal detachments. A variety of complications may occur in conjunction with its utilization.
Keywords: retinal detachment • vitreous substitutes • proliferative vitreoretinopathy