A 60-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) undergoes pars plana vitrectomy. Intraoperatively, perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) is used. Which of the following best describes the primary function of PFCL during vitreoretinal surgery?
- A Acts as a long-acting tamponade agent
- B Unfolds and stabilizes a detached retina, allowing subretinal fluid displacement posteriorly to anteriorly ✓
- C Provides haemostasis by compressing bleeding vessels
- D Dissolves fibrovascular membranes to facilitate their removal
Correct answer: B. Unfolds and stabilizes a detached retina, allowing subretinal fluid displacement posteriorly to anteriorly
Explanation
Perfluorocarbon liquids are heavy liquids used intraoperatively as a temporary tool to unfold and stabilize detached retinas; their high specific gravity displaces subretinal fluid from posterior to anterior (peripherally), allowing precise reattachment. They are NOT suitable as long-acting tamponade agents because they cause retinal toxicity if left in the eye; silicone oil or gas is used for tamponade. PFCL has no haemostatic or membrane-dissolving properties.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.