Regarding the SF6 short acting gas, I thought I heard the doctor say at my husband's last consultation that when using the shorter acting gas it would also mean that repeat surgery would not be possible ( I assume he meant in the remote case of the macular hole reopening) Did my husband and I misunderstand ? Thank you for your insight and expertise. We greatly appreciate it.
sunshinefl
A short acting gas usually sulfur hexaflouride (SF6) may not stay in the eye long enough. A long acting gas probably perflouropropane (C3F8) will last longer but also has a higher incidence of cataracts.
If he has a natural lens in the eye, I use SF6. If he already had cataract surgery I use C3F8. The hole has a better chance of closing if the gas covers for a two weeks or so.
Gas can always be added in the office if needed.
Dr. O.