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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

A Reversible Silicon Oil-Induced Ocular Hypertension Model in Mice
Published on: November 15, 2019
Migration of intraocular silicone oil into the subconjunctival space and orbit through an Ahmed glaucoma valve
P P Nazemi1, L P Chong, R Varma
1Doheny Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Purpose:
To report a patient with intraocular silicone oil migration into the subconjunctival space and orbit through an Ahmed glaucoma valve implant.
Methods:
Observational case report. A 29-year-old female with diabetes mellitus and proliferative diabetic retinopathy underwent three left eye pars plana vitrectomies and ultimately intraocular silicone oil placement for tractional retinal detachment. Subsequently, she developed neovascular glaucoma and underwent an inferotemporal Ahmed glaucoma tube implant, left eye.
Results:
Intraocular silicone oil migrated through the Ahmed glaucoma valve into the subconjunctival space and orbit. Left eye evisceration with silicone oil removal was performed for a blind painful left eye and improvement of appearance.
Conclusion:
Silicone oil migration through an Ahmed valve may be observed after retinal detachment repair with intraocular silicone oil. An Ahmed valve may be contraindicated in eyes of patients with intraocular silicone oil.
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