Perfluorocarbon heavy liquids (PFCL) facilitate the transfer of intraocular fluids and other surgical manoeuvres in the posterior segment. The indications for their use have extended since first described in the management of giant retinal tears and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. We reviewed our personal experience and experimental evidence, including adverse effects, in order to identify the current role of PFCL in vitreoretinal surgery. High-density perfluorocarbon liquids represent a major advance in vitreoretinal surgery. Clinical experience and the results of experimental investigations have demonstrated their efficacy and safety as an intraoperative device.