Long-term follow-up of perfluorocarbon liquid in the anterior chamber.
BACKGROUND
Perfluorocarbon liquids are used as a vitreous substitute in the operative management of several ophthalmologic conditions. We examined the effects of residual perfluorocarbon droplets in the anterior chamber in patients after retinal detachment surgery.


METHODS
The study group consisted of seven patients (seven eyes) aged 28-74 years in whom droplets of perfluorocarbon appeared in the anterior chamber subsequent to retinal detachment surgery involving scleral buckling, perfluorodecalin injection, and perfluorocarbon liquid-silicone oil exchange. Mean follow-up was 9.4 months.


RESULTS
From 1 -15 droplets of perfluorocarbon liquid were found in the anterior chamber. There were no corneal complications or inflammatory reactions or blood vessel invasion into the corneal stroma. Some of the droplets appeared to be encapsulated in a membrane-like material. Perfluorocarbon liquid and silicone oil had to be removed in three patients at 20, 12, and 4 months postoperatively because of an increase in intraocular pressure due to blockage of the inferior iridectomy by a droplet of perfluorocarbon, emulsification of the silicone oil, or residual perfluorocarbon liquid on the retina (one patient each). Increased intraocular pressure in a fourth patient was successfully treated pharmacologically.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on our experience, residual perfluorocarbon liquid droplets in the anterior chamber are well tolerated and do not induce corneal damage or ocular inflammation. These patients should be closely followed, however, and the liquid removed if complications develop.
Weinberger
D
D
Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Goldenberg-Cohen
N
N
Axer-Siegel
R
R
Gaton
D D
DD
Yassur
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000867:Anterior Chamber / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000009:adverse effects; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D012086:Reoperation; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012591:Scleral Buckling; D012827:Silicone Oils / Q000009:adverse effects; D014792:Visual Acuity
D005466:Fluorocarbons; D012827:Silicone Oils; C008805:perfluorodecalin