The use of perfluorocarbon liquids in diabetic vitrectomy

Three eyes of 3 patients were operated on for severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy with tractional and/or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using perfluoro-n-octane as temporary tamponade, The perfluorocarbon was removed at the end of the procedure. Intraocular tamponade was provided by a long- acting gas in all eyes. The intraoperative use of perfluorocarbon effective ly facilitated retinal flattening and endophotocoagulation. Anatomical succ ess was obtained in all 3 cases, with a minimum follow-up of 10 months. Vis ual acuity improved in all eyes. The main advantages of perfluorocarbon are that it enables easy flattening of the posterior retinal folds and effecti ve endophotocoagulation with good visual conditions.