Injecting OVD temporarily seal the edge of the retinectomy to prevent subretinal perfluorocarbon liquid droplets retention and retinal slippage during fluid-air exchange.

BACKGROUND: To investigate effect of the injection of ophthalmic viscosurgical device (DisCoVisc) temporarily seal the edge of the retinectomy to prevent subretinal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) droplets retention and retinal slippage during fluid-air exchange. METHODS: PFCL was injected, with the fluid level extended 3–5 mm above the posterior edge of the retinectomy. Laser photocoagulation was applied around the edge of the retinectomy. DisCoVisc was then injected under PFCL and evenly applied along the edge of the retinectomy to achieve temporary and complete sealing. Under infusion fluid, PFCL was completely removed. Then fluid-air exchange was applied. Finally, silicone oil was injected for intravitreal tamponade. RESULTS: A total of 9 patients (9 eyes) were included in this study, all of whom underwent retinectomy. On postoperative day 1, the retinas of all patients remained fully attached without any flap inversion or slippage. No subretinal PFCL droplets were detected. At last visit, the mean IOP was 15.61 ± 7.18 mmHg, without significant difference compared to preoperative IOP (13.39 ± 4.97 mmHg) (P = 0.455), but the mean post-operative BCVA (1.01 ± 0.62) logMAR (Snellen equivalent 20/200) with a significant difference compared to preoperative BCVA (2.04 ± 1.42) logMAR (Snellen equivalent 20/2190) (P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Injecting DisCoVisc under PFCL to temporarily seal the edge of the retinectomy effectively prevents infusion fluid and PFCL droplets from entering the subretinal space during fluid–air exchange, thereby reducing the risk of retinal slippage and subretinal PFCL retention. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.