Pneumatic Displacement of Subretinal Hemorrhage With Perfluorocarbon Gases

Subretinal hemorrhage in the macula causes a significant loss of vision. This hemorrhage can be displaced by the use of a small volume of pure perfluorocarbon gas injected into the vitreous, which expands to a 40% gas bubble in the eye. When the patient gazes 40 to 60 degree below the horizontal, the gas bubble covers the hemorrhage and gravity displaces it rapidly. This position of gaze is easier for the patient than the face down position traditionally recommended.A vector of gravity force tangential to the sclera brings about this displacement. The procedure can improve vision quickly, reduce unwanted degenerative changes in the macula because of the persistent macular hemorrhage and improves the chances of treating of the underlying cause for the subretinal hemorrhage by laser or other means.