The use of perfluorodecalin in retinal detachments with retinoschisis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of perfluorodecalin on the repair of retinal detachments with retinoschisis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two eyes of 20 patients with degenerative and X-linked retinoschisis underwent pars plana vitrectomy, perfluorodecalin injection, internal fluid drainage, and fluid-air exchange. RESULTS: The retina was reattached intraoperatively in 21 (95.4%) of the 22 eyes. In 4 eyes, retinal detachment recurred within 2 months postoperatively. All of the recurrent cases underwent reoperation with perfluoropropane gas and the retina was reattached at the end of 2 operations. As a result, visual acuity increased in 18 (81.8%) of the 22 eyes. CONCLUSION: Perfluorodecalin makes flattening of the retina and evacuation of subretinal fluid easier in the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments associated with degenerative and X-linked retinoschisis.