A 52-year-old type 2 diabetic undergoes pars plana vitrectomy for tractional retinal detachment involving the macula. Intraoperatively, perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) is instilled. The PRIMARY role of PFCL during vitreoretinal surgery is:

• A Tamponade of retinal breaks for permanent sealing
• B Stabilize and unfold the detached retina while facilitating membrane peeling ✓
• C Reduce post-operative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)
• D Provide long-term intraocular tamponade replacing silicone oil

Explanation

Perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) is a heavy liquid (specific gravity ~1.76) that sinks to the posterior pole, hydraulically displacing subretinal fluid anteriorly and stabilizing the retina against the posterior wall. This allows safe membrane peeling and retinal manipulation during complex vitreoretinal surgery. PFCL is always exchanged for gas or silicone oil at the end of surgery as it is not intended for permanent tamponade — it is toxic if left intraocularly long-term. It does not directly prevent PVR.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.