Here is a preoperative Optos photo of a giant retinal tear extending from about 9:30 to 1 o’clock.
This patient underwent successful pars plana vitrectomy surgery with C3F8 (perflouropropane) gas tamponade.
Learning Points:
By definition, giant retinal tears extend at least 3 clock hours.
Surgical repair is greatly facilitated by the use of Perfluoron liquid (PFO, perfluoron octane), which is heavier than water and, intraoperatively, helps unroll the posterior retina and prevent posterior retinal slippage.
The PFO can either be removed at the initial repair or left in place for a week or two before being removed with a secondary procedure.
