Rk. Maturi et al., Perfluoro-N-octane (PFO) in the repair of complicated retinal detachments due to severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy, OPHTHAL SUR, 30(9), 1999, pp. 715-720
PURPOSE: To report our experience with perfluoro-N-octane (PFO) in the surg
ical management of complicated retinal detachments due to proliferative dia
betic retinopathy.
METHODS: Retrospective review of 18 consecutive eyes of 18 patients with tr
actional or combined tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments due
to severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy managed by pars plana vitrecto
my and the intraoperative use of PFO. Preoperative characteristics, intraop
erative findings and procedures and postoperative results were recorded.
RESULTS: The mean preoperative acuity was 2/200 (range, 20/25 to light perc
eption). The mean final visual acuity was 4/200 (range, 20/20 to no light p
erception). With a mean follow-up of 6 months, there was an 89% anatomic re
attachment rate at the last visit and visual acuity was stable or improved
in 72% of eyes.
CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, PFO is a helpful surgical adjunct in the an
atomic reattachment of tractional or combined tractional and rhegmatogenous
diabetic retinal detachments. Visual acuity was stabilized or improved in
the majority of eyes.