LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF PERFLUOROCARBON LIQUID IN THE ANTERIOR-CHAMBER

Background: Perfluorocarbon liquids are used as a vitreous substitute in the operative management of several ophthalmologic conditions. We e xamined the effects of residual perfluorocarbon droplets in the anteri or chamber in patients after retinal detachment surgery. Methods: The study group consisted of seven patients (seven eyes) aged 28-74 years in whom droplets of perfluorocarbon appeared in the anterior chamber s ubsequent to retinal detachment surgery involving scleral buckling, pe rfluorodecalin injection, and perfluorocarbon liquid-silicone oil exch ange. Mean follow-up was 9.4 months. Results: From 1-15 droplets of pe rfluorocarbon liquid were found in the anterior chamber. There were no corneal complications or inflammatory reactions or blood vessel invas ion into the corneal stroma. Some of the droplets appeared to be encap sulated in a membrane-like material. Perfluorocarbon liquid and silico ne oil had to be removed in three patients at 20, 12, and 4 months pos toperatively because of an increase in intraocular pressure due to blo ckage of the inferior iridectomy by a droplet of perfluorocarbon, emul sification of the silicone oil, or residual perfluorocarbon liquid on the retina tone patient each). Increased intraocular pressure in a fou rth patient was successfully treated pharmacologically. Conclusion: Ba sed on our experience, residual perfluorocarbon liquid droplets in the anterior chamber are well tolerated and do not induce corneal damage or ocular inflammation. These patients should be closely followed, how ever, and the liquid removed if complications develop.