Posterior Capsular Condensation Associated with Perfluorocarbon Liquid during Retinal Detachment Surgery

Purpose: To report a case of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL)-related posterior capsular condensation that developed after fluid-air exchange during vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and resolved after removal of residual PFCL from the vitreous cavity.Case summary: A 49-year-old man presented with visual field disturbance and decreased visual acuity in the left eye.The best-corrected visual acuity was 0.7 and the intraocular pressure was 16 mmHg.A superior macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with a retinal break at the 1 o'clock position was identified.During 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with phacoemulsification under general anesthesia, the retina was stabilized with PFCL, followed by fluid-air exchange at an air infusion pressure of 30 mmHg.Multiple transparent droplets then appeared on the posterior capsule, limiting fundus visualization.Irrigation and aspiration produced only transient clearing before the droplets recurred.After aspiration of residual PFCL from the vitreous cavity, the posterior capsule cleared immediately and the surgical view was restored.The surgery was completed with 14% C3F8 gas tamponade, and the retina remained attached at 1 month postoperatively.Conclusions: Residual intravitreal PFCL during fluid-air exchange may cause posterior capsular condensation.When transparent droplets on the posterior capsule recur despite irrigation or aspiration, aspiration of residual PFCL should be considered.