Background: Perfluoropropane (C3F8) is a valuable adjunct in the manag
ement of complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, and it has become
the most commonly used perfluorocarbon gas. However, there have been
few large reports about its complications. This retrospective study wa
s undertaken to evaluate the complications of the use of perfluoroprop
ane gas. Methods: Perfluoropropane gas was used in the repair of a com
plex retinal detachment in 157 consecutive eyes. Only eyes that had a
follow-up of 6 months or greater were included. Any eyes that had unde
rgone previous vitrectomy and vitreous substitution with gas or silico
ne oil were excluded. Results: Gas-induced lens opacities developed in
26 (67%) phakic eyes; transient increased intraocular pressure develo
ped postoperatively in 50 (32%) eyes; a transient fibrinous, pupillary
membrane developed in 20 (13%) eyes; and a flat anterior chamber deve
loped in 10 (6%) eyes. Conclusions: Scleral buckle placement and incre
ased gas concentration were found to be risk factors for the developme
nt of increased intraocular pressure. Proliferative diabetic retinopat
hy was associated with a higher development of lens opacities and pupi
llary membranes. No major complications were associated with the use o
f C3F8.