How do you determine the timing and necessity of surgical removal for retained subretinal perfluorocarbon?  

There are a few factors that determine the timing and necessity of subretinal PFO removal:  Necessity is based on proximity to the fovea. Parafoveal or subfoveal PFO should be removed promptly (within 2-3 weeks of detection at the latest). If PFO is far away enough from the fovea (>2 dis...

Timing: Defer PFO removal until after you are convinced the retina is attached and will likely stay attached (e.g., after gas resolves or, if under oil, later than 8 weeks). Necessity: Plan for surgical removal if subretinal PFO is foveal or perifoveal. If not, then defer indefinitely unless PFO lo...