MANAGEMENT OF GIANT RETINAL TEARS WITH PERFLUOROPERHYDROPHENANTHRENE (VITREON(R))

Giant retinal tears in 10 eyes were repaired with the perfluorocarbon liquid Vitreon(R) (perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene). The mean patient fo llow-up period was 9.2 months; retinas remained attached in all eyes a t the last examination. Visual acuity improved in 9 eyes and could not be measured in one eye. One patient (mentally retarded) required a se cond operation for reattachment of the retina, which redetached from t rauma after initial successful repair. Vitreon(R), unlike other perflu orocarbon liquids, may also be used as a short-term intraocular tampon ade with the patient remaining in a supine position postoperatively. V itreon(R) was used as a short-term postoperative intraocular tamponade in 6 eyes. In 4 eyes, Vitreon(R) was used as an intraoperative tool t o reposition the retina and, when necessary, to unfold an inverted fla p.