A 58-year-old man with recurrent inferior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy undergoes pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling. The surgeon wants a long-acting tamponade that supports the inferior peripheral retina without strict posturing. Which agent is most appropriate?
- A Heavy silicone oil (Densiron 68) ✓
- B SF6 20%
- C Air
- D Standard 1000 cs silicone oil
Correct answer: A. Heavy silicone oil (Densiron 68)
Explanation
Heavy silicone oils have a specific gravity greater than water (about 1.06), so they sink and directly tamponade the inferior fundus and inferior vitreous base, where standard silicone oil and gases float and leave a gap. They are indicated in inferior breaks with PVR. Air and SF6 are short-acting floating agents unsuitable here, and standard silicone oil, though long acting, floats and requires posturing to cover inferior pathology.
Reference: Kanski's Clinical Ophthalmology, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.