A CASE OF MIGRATING AND RESOLVING SUBRETINAL PERFLUOROCARBON LIQUID FOLLOWING RETINAL DETACHMENT SURGERY.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To demonstrate unique behavior of subretinal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) following macular reattachment surgery. METHODS: An observational case report. Changes in visual functioning and consecutive optical coherence tomograms are described. RESULTS: Following macular reattachment surgery with the aid of PFCL, a small residual PFCL bubble, measuring 175 µ m in diameter, is noted beneath the fovea on optical coherence tomogram. During nine months of follow-up, the bubble is shown to elongate and migrate toward the vitreous space. Once the bubble reaches the inner retinal surface, it gradually becomes smaller and disappears completely. We observed anatomical restoration of the retinal layers, and maintenance of fair visual acuity (20/32 feet) without scotoma. CONCLUSION: This report shows the potential of PFCL to migrate through the retina toward the vitreous. Rather than opt for a second surgery to remove small PFCL bubbles, observation may be clinically appropriate in selected cases.