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.