The complications of perfluoropropane gas use in complex retinal detachments

Perfluoropropane (C3F8) is a valuable adjunct in the management of complex rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, and it has become the most commonly used perfluorocarbon gas. However, there have been few large reports about its complications. This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the complications of the use of perfluoropropane gas. Perfluoropropane gas was used in the repair of a complex retinal detachment in 157 consecutive eyes. Only eyes that had a follow-up of 6 months or greater were included. Any eyes that had undergone previous vitrectomy and vitreous substitution with gas or silicone oil were excluded. Gas-induced lens opacities developed in 26 (67%) phakic eyes; transient increased intraocular pressure developed postoperatively in 50 (32%) eyes; a transient fibrinous, pupillary membrane developed in 20 (13%) eyes; and a flat anterior chamber developed in 10 (6%) eyes. Scleral buckle placement and increased gas concentration were found to be risk factors for the development of increased intraocular pressure. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy was associated with a higher development of lens opacities and pupillary membranes. No major complications were associated with the use of C3F8.