Author/Authors :
Mirshahi, Ahmad Eye Research Center - Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Ghasemi, Fariba Eye Research Center - Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Zarei, Mohmmad Eye Research Center - Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Karkhaneh, Reza Eye Research Center - Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Ahmadraji, Aliasghar Eye Research Center - Farabi Eye Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Polkinghorne, Philip J. Department of Ophthalmology - Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences - University of Auckland, New Zealand
Abstract :
Purpose: To report removal of retained subfoveal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) after vitrectomy for retinal detachment.
Methods: Three patients underwent 3-port 23-gauge vitrectomy in an attempt to remove retained subfoveal PFCL bubble secondary to retinal detachment surgery. In two patients, removal was achieved via a 23-G needle whereas the third patient with multiple small subfoveal droplets, multiple punctures were required and in that case a small 40-G needle was used.
We assessed best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus imaging, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of all patients before and after surgery.
Results: The subfoveal PFCL was successfully removed in all 3 eyes and although a functional improvement was documented, outer retinal atrophy and photoreceptor loss was observed in all our cases.
Conclusions: SD-OCT allows early recognition of retained subfoveal PFCL. Surgical removal may lead to retinal morphologic restoration and
functional improvement. While we achieved complete removal of PFCL with both 23-G and 40-G instrumentation, we believe the versatility and ease justifies the universal usage of 40-G retinotomy needles.
