Perfluorocarbon liquid is directly toxic to ARPE-19 cells when exposed to the cells for 7 days. On the contrary, it seems that RGCs are damaged in a time-dependent manner by the more mechanical rather than toxic effects of PFCL. Silicone oil seems to exert mechanical rather than toxic effects on ARPE-19 cells. When PFCL is used as a postoperative tamponade clinically, understanding the difference in the effects will lead to more effective and safer results.