Gandorfer A, Kampik A
Augenklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München.
Ophthalmologe. 2000 May;97(5):367-70. doi: 10.1007/s003470050539.
Since the advent of vitrectomy and the increased use of intraocular gases, there had been concern voiced about the safety of air travel for patients with intraocular gas. Anecdotal reports and experimental models verify the danger of acute glaucoma and central retinal artery occlusion following depressurization and expansion of intraocular gas. However, the amount of gas, that can be compensated for, is a matter of controversy.
A 58-year old man underwent vitrectomy with intraocular air tamponade as a primary procedure for retinal detachment. The patient went home by airplane with a residual gas volume of less than 30% of the volume of the eye. Before takeoff at 530 m (1739 ft) above sea level, the intraocular pressure was 12 mmHg. During the ascent, severe ocular pain and loss of vision occurred.
A 38-year old woman underwent vitrectomy for primary repair of retinal detachment. The eye was injected with a 15% mixture of perfluoroethan (C2F6). When traveling home to Italy by car, the eye contained a residual gas volume of 50% of the volume of the globe. Intraocular pressure was 17 mmHg. During the ascent to the "Brennerpass", 1375 m (4511 ft) above sea level, the eye became severely painful and vision was lost for approximately three minutes. Descending to a lower altitude relieved the symptoms.
The expansion of intraocular gases depends on the atmospheric pressure and the mechanisms for compensation. Small volumes of intraocular gas or moderate traveling altitudes can cause a symptomatic rise in intraocular pressure.
自从玻璃体切除术问世以及眼内气体使用增加以来，人们一直对眼内有气体的患者乘坐飞机旅行的安全性表示担忧。轶事报道和实验模型证实了眼内气体减压和膨胀后急性青光眼和视网膜中央动脉阻塞的危险性。然而，能够得到代偿的气体量存在争议。
一名58岁男性接受了玻璃体切除术，术中使用眼内空气填塞作为视网膜脱离的主要手术方式。患者回家时乘坐飞机，眼内残留气体量少于眼内容积的30%。在海拔530米（1739英尺）处起飞前，眼压为12毫米汞柱。在上升过程中，患者出现严重眼痛和视力丧失。
一名38岁女性接受了玻璃体切除术以进行视网膜脱离的初次修复。眼内注入了15%的全氟乙烷（C2F6）混合物。当她乘车返回意大利家中时，眼内残留气体量为眼球容积的50%。眼压为17毫米汞柱。在上升至海拔1375米（4511英尺）的“布伦纳山口”过程中，眼睛剧痛，视力丧失约三分钟。下降到较低海拔后症状缓解。
眼内气体的膨胀取决于大气压力和代偿机制。少量的眼内气体或适度的旅行海拔高度可导致眼压出现有症状的升高。
