Gas tamponade is superior to air tamponade in retinal detachment cases with involvement of the lower quadrants. These results suggest that air tamponade should only be used in retinal detachments that are restricted to the superior quadrants. Further prospective study is needed to confirm these findings, and to address functional outcome.

Partial-thickness retinal folds occur commonly after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair and may represent an important anatomical substrate for postoperative metamorphopsia. Fundus autofluorescence and OCT are both sensitive techniques for the detection of these abnormalities.

The risk profile of vitrectomy for floaters is comparable with that of vitrectomy for other elective indications. Retinal breaks are a common finding during surgery and treatment of these breaks is crucial for the prevention of postoperative retinal detachment. Patients considering surgery for floaters should be informed specifically about the risks involved.