Perfluorocarbon Liquids in Vitreoretinal Surgery

Perfluorocarbon (PFC) liquids are hydrocarbons in which all the hydrogen atoms are replaced with the fluorine atoms. PFC liquids are stabilized liquids that can stay as a single piece with their high surface tension and are heavier than water. Perfluoro-n-ocetane, perfluorodecaline, perfluoro-phenantrene are frequently used liquid PFC derivatives used in clinical ophthalmology practice. Intraoperative use of PFC liquids in vitreoretinal surgery for proliferative vitreoretinopathy and complicated retinal detachment provides surgical ease and increase anatomical and functional success. Long-term exposure to PFC liquids results in complications such as inflammation and degenerations of ocular tissues. Studies are needed for PFC liquids which are suitable for long-term intraocular use.