Clinical trail of intravitreal C F in retinal detachment surgery.

A mixture of 40% octafluorocyclobutane (C4F8) and 60% air was used clinically in eight patients with long-standing retinal detachment. In seven cases the retina reattached after intravitreal injection of C4F8 and intrascleral diathermization of the retinal tear. The one failure was due to massive vitreous retraction and preretinal proliferation prior to the surgery. Except for a slight postoperative iritis when 4 cc of gas lasted for 12 to 30 days after intravitreal injection. On the basis of this and our previous studies, we recommend the use of C4F8 in retinal detachment surgery.