Silicone oil-induced secondary glaucoma: a case study

Silicone oil intraocular tamponade is a widely accepted procedure in the management of complex retinal detachments caused by proliferative diabetic vitreoretinopathy. Silicone oil has a high surface tension that mechanically limits fibrovascular reproliferation resulting in successful retinal reattachments. However, postoperative secondary glaucoma is a relatively frequent complication that may require intensive nursing management focused at intraocular pressure monitoring, positioning compliance, pain management, fluid and electrolyte balance, and glucose control. This article presents the postoperative clinical course of a 51-year-old man with diabetes and recurrent proliferative diabetic vitreoretinopathy who developed secondary glaucoma after silicone oil injection with a dramatic rise in intraocular pressure on the first postoperative day. Nursing management concurrent with medical and surgical management is discussed and the necessary nursing plan of care is identified.