Intravitreal gas injection is a commonly used technique in the management of retinal detachments. Previous studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of intraoperative and postoperative injection of air and inert, long-acting intravitreal gases.1-5 The purpose of this study was to gauge the extent and current indications for use of air, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and perfluoropropane (C3F8) by practicing vitreoretinal surgeons in North America.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Questionnaires were mailed to 211 members of and qualified applicants to the Vitreous Society and to 154 active members of the Retina Society in the United States and Canada. Individuals with dual memberships were identified to prevent duplicate sampling. A second mailing was performed one month after the first mailing. Responses were anonymous unless the individual voluntarily signed his or her name. Data entry and calculations were performed in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, the Cleveland Clinic