Ocular findings six years after intravitreal silicone injection

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Vitreoretinal Interface

Background:

• Giant retinal tears (GRTs) pose significant challenges in vitreoretinal surgery.
• Dimethicone 350 (medical fluid silicone) is utilized as an intraocular tamponade agent in complex retinal detachments.
• Long-term outcomes and potential complications associated with silicone oil tamponade require continued investigation.

Observation:

• A single case of a giant retinal tear treated with dimethicone 350 tamponade is presented.
• The patient was observed for a six-year period post-injection.
• Complications including anterior segment ischemia and intraocular silicone displacement were noted.

Findings:

• Anterior segment ischemia became evident approximately four months after dimethicone 350 injection.
• An ocular injury led to the displacement of dimethicone 350 into the anterior chamber one year post-injection.
• The patient ultimately required enucleation due to persistent pain.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential risks of dimethicone 350 as an intraocular tamponade, particularly long-term.
• Vigilance for anterior segment ischemia and complications from silicone migration is crucial in patients receiving dimethicone 350.
• Further research into the safety profile and management of complications associated with medical fluid silicone tamponade is warranted.