In a patient with tractional retinal detachment involving the macula from proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the PREFERRED tamponade agent at the conclusion of vitrectomy in a non-giant retinal break scenario is:

• A Perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL)
• B C3F8 gas
• C Silicone oil ✓
• D SF6 gas

Explanation

In proliferative diabetic retinopathy with tractional RD, silicone oil (1000 or 5000 cs) is the preferred long-term tamponade because gas bubbles reabsorb within days to weeks, which may be insufficient time for the diabetic retina to reattach given the ongoing tractional forces and poor healing. Silicone oil provides sustained inferior tamponade and can be removed later. PFCL is used intraoperatively to flatten the retina and is not a permanent tamponade. SF6 lasts 2 weeks and C3F8 lasts 6–8 weeks, both too short for complex diabetic TRD.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.