Management of Retained Subretinal Perfluorocarbon Liquid

Subretinal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) is a rare but serious complication associated with retinal detachment repair primarily due to the potential for toxic effects of the liquid on various structures of the eye. While it is optimal to detect and remove subretinal PFCL intraoperatively, retained PFCL may be missed in 1% to 11% of cases and not detected until follow-up visits.3,26 In such cases, early intervention appears to be warranted particularly if central vision remains at risk with subfoveally located droplets. Restoration of the foveal contour and attenuation of scotoma size as indicated by optical coherence tomography and microperimetry imaging suggest a good prognosis based on the limited number of case reports reviewed. Prognosis of retained PFCL depends on the location, size, and duration of its contact with retinal structures.