Background Inferior retinal detachment pathology can be difficult to manage due to inadequate tamponade with low specific gravity tamponade agents and the propensity for the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). We report the efficacy and adverse effects associated with the use of perfluorocarbon heavy liquid as a short-term tamponade in managing such pathologies.

Methods Retrospective analysis of 17 eyes treated with short-term perfluoro-n-octane tamponade for complex inferior retinal pathology, including inferior detachment and PVR. Mean follow-up time was 14 months and mean tamponade duration was 7 days.

Results Reattachment of the retina during the study period was achieved with a single set of operations in 13/17 (76%) eyes, with four eyes requiring a subsequent set of vitreoretinal operations. Postoperative visual acuity (VA) was equal to or better than preoperative VA in 14 (82%) of 17 eyes. Complications arising during the follow-up period included superior redetachment, atrophic macular changes, minor macular haemorrhage, cataract, elevated intraocular pressure, corneal defects, PVR, epiretinal membrane and retained perfluorocarbon heavy liquid. One case of intraocular inflammation occurred >6 months after removal of perfluoro-n-octane tamponade.

Conclusion Short-term perfluoro-n-octane tamponade achieved a stable reattachment rate of 76% when used to manage challenging retinal pathologies.