The use of perfluorocarbon liquids in diabetic vitrectomy.

Three eyes of 3 patients were operated on for severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy with tractional and/or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using perfluoro-n-octane as temporary tamponade. The perfluorocarbon was removed at the end of the procedure. Intraocular tamponade was provided by a long-acting gas in all eyes. The intraoperative use of perfluorocarbon effectively facilitated retinal flattening and endophotocoagulation. Anatomical success was obtained in all 3 cases, with a minimum follow-up of 10 months. Visual acuity improved in all eyes. The main advantages of perfluorocarbon are that it enables easy flattening of the posterior retinal folds and effective endophotocoagulation with good visual conditions.