Intraocular SF6 Gas Applications: Treatment of Retinal Detachments Caused by Holes at the Posterior Pole

Abstract

Retinal detachments caused by holes in the posterior pole are rare among rhegmatogenous detachments, but the central position of the holes causes considerable difficulties on surgery. The use of intraocular gas bubbles affords new possibilities for the treatment of these cases. Among 1,800 consecutively treated retinal detachments, we found only 21 which were due exclusively to one or more holes at the posterior pole; of these, only 7 exhibited a hole directly in the macula. The operative treatment of these 21 detachments consisted of an intraocular gas tamponade effected through injection of SF6 combined with cryo- and laser coagulation of the periphery of the holes. Reattachment of the macula and improved visual acuity were achieved in 19 cases. The postoperative follow-up ranges from 4 to 60 months, with a mean of 29 months.