Current patterns of intraocular gas use in North America
E. Ai and T. W. Gardner
Department of Ophthalmology, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco 94115.
A 1987 survey of 365 members of the Retina and Vitreous societies revealed
that use of long-acting intraocular gases was both widespread and frequent.
However, despite the expanded use of intravitreal gases and the stated
intention of the Food and Drug Administration to approve premarket
applications for use of sulfur hexafluoride and perfluoropropane, there are
still limitations in the ready availability of these substances. Therefore,
we conducted another survey to determine current patterns of intraocular
gas use. The results indicate that more surgeons are using long-acting
gases. The data also demonstrate the selective use of pneumatic retinopexy
with geographic pockets of increased retinopexy use in California and
Florida. Finally, 100% of respondents now indicate that they consider the
use of sulfur hexafluoride and perfluoropropane to be a standard of care.
