<p>Influence of Perfluorocarbon Liquids on Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber–Layer Thickness Following Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Silicone Oil–Based Endotamponade</p>

Abstract

Background Inner retina–layer modifications after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) can be objectively assessed through spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods This study explored prospectively changes in retinal nerve-fiber layer (RNFL) thickness with SD-OCT in eyes undergoing PPV with silicone oil–based tamponade with and without use of perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCLs) during the early postoperative phase (up to 3 months) at the Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Egypt. Results Thirty patients were recruited who underwent PPV and silicone oil–based tamponade for either retinal detachment or diabetic retinopathy between April 2019 and September 2019. Mean RNFL thickness showed no significant change during follow-up at the first week (102.90±30.68 mm), 1 month (107.30±32.27), or three months (105.90±36.68; p=0.46, 0.68). There were significant correlations noticed between RNFL thinning and axial length of eyes, intraocular pressure, and use of PFCLs during the follow-up period. Conclusion The RNFL tends to change postvitrectomy, but not significantly. Careful examination and consistent follow-up is required for postvitrectomy patients with larger axial length and intraoperative PFCL use.

Retinal and Corneal Changes Associated with Intraocular Silicone Oil Tamponade

“…It has been suggested that an initial thickening may be induced also by the surgical manipulation itself [ 170 ]. Only one recent prospective case series reported no significant changes in peripapillary RNFL up to 3 months after SO tamponade [ 171 ]. It is controversial whether increased IOP may have a role in SO-related peripapillary changes [ 146 , 170 , 171 ].…”

“…Only one recent prospective case series reported no significant changes in peripapillary RNFL up to 3 months after SO tamponade [ 171 ]. It is controversial whether increased IOP may have a role in SO-related peripapillary changes [ 146 , 170 , 171 ]. With regard to vascular changes, the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) VD may decrease after SO tamponade [ 172 , 173 ], and this reduction may be more marked in the superior hemifield [ 173 , 174 ].…”