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Retinal Tamponades: Current Uses and Future Technologies

  • Retina (R Goldhardt, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this article, the current use and limitations of existing retinal tamponades are discussed. Potential novel developments that address those limitations are subsequently highlighted, along with areas of future improvements.

Recent Findings

While retinal tamponades have existed for decades and improved the treatment of retinal detachments, many problems still exist with their use, including inadequate tamponade of the inferior retina, toxicity from retained heavy liquids, glaucoma, and keratopathy, among others. New advancements in the components of heavy liquids and vitreous substitutes aim to mitigate those issues.

Summary

Existing retinal tamponades, including perfluorocarbon heavy liquids, fluorinated gases, and silicone oil, have specific limitations that cause potentially avoidable morbidity. New developments, such as heavy silicone oil, novel vitreous gels, and future avenues of approach, such as potentially reabsorbing heavy liquids may help increase our ability to treat retinal detachments with fewer complications.

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  1. Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA

    Avnish Deobhakta & Richard Rosen

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  1. Avnish Deobhakta
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Correspondence to Avnish Deobhakta.

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Deobhakta, A., Rosen, R. Retinal Tamponades: Current Uses and Future Technologies. Curr Ophthalmol Rep 8, 144–151 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-020-00247-9

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