In vitreoretinal surgery, the MOST important principle behind using perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL) intraoperatively is:

• A Tamponade of retinal breaks by long-term intraocular residence
• B Displacement of subretinal fluid posteriorly and flattening of retinal detachment from posterior to anterior ✓
• C Dissolution of fibrovascular proliferative membranes
• D Long-term gas tamponade of the vitreous cavity

Explanation

PFCLs (e.g., perfluoro-n-octane) are heavier than water and sink to the posterior pole, hydraulically unrolling detached retina and displacing subretinal fluid anteriorly through peripheral breaks, which are then treated with endolaser or cryotherapy. They are used as an intraoperative tool and must be removed at the end of the procedure. They do not dissolve membranes and cannot be left in the eye long-term (cause PFCL emulsification and toxicity).

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.