Background: Acute toxicity of perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL) is a relevant problem in retinal surgery due to impurities in the medicinal product.
Objective: This article gives an overview of the current problems, possible explanations, interactions with other medicinal products and approaches to improved patient safety.
Results: Toxicity is caused by impurities in the raw material but can also be caused by interactions with other medicinal products or drugs. The current test procedures do not ideally represent the ophthalmological application but there are promising activities to set the course for the future.
Conclusion: The use of PFCL in retinal surgery is generally considered safe. Users should pay attention to the quality of medicinal products.
Keywords: Impurity; Medicinal products; Patient safety; Perfluorocarbon liquids; Retinal surgery.