Semifluorinated alkanes A new class of compounds with outstanding properties for use in ophthalmology.

Semifluorinated alkanes, RFRH, have a perfluorocarbon and a hydrocarbon segment in the molecule. RFRH are physically, chemically and physiologically inert, colorless, laser stable liquids with substantially reduced densities - between 1.1 and 1.7 g/cm3 - and very low surface and interface tensions. RFRH are useful for unfolding a retina or for permanent tamponade. They are soluble in perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL), hydrocarbons and silicone oils. For the first time residues of silicone oil can be extracted from the eye because RFRH are solubilizers for PFCLs and silicone oils, so they can be used as solvents or solubilizers for drugs and medicaments. Therefore RFRH are excellent candidates for use in the ophthalmic field. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2000; 10: 189-97).