Silicone oil in the surgical treatment of traumatic endophthalmitis

To explore the effects of vitrectomy combined with silicone oil injection in the treatment of traumatic endophthalmitis without retinal detachment, and analyze the relative factors.

Eighteen eyes of 18 patients with traumatic endophthalmitis and without retinal detachment received the treatment of vitrectomy combined with silicone oil filling. Silicone oil removal combined with intraocular lens implantations were performed in all eyes 6 months postoperatively. The visual acuity was measured by logMAR values. Preoperative visual acuity ranged from light perception to 0.1. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 9 mmHg with a range from 5 to 25 mmHg. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 43 months with a mean of 18 months.

The postoperative visual acuity ranged from light perception to 0.8 at the last follow-up examination. The visual acuity increased in 15 eyes (83%), and was stable in 3 eyes (17%). The mean postoperative intraocular pressure was 17 mmHg with a range from 10 to 20 mmHg, and was significantly higher than preoperatively (p<0.05). There was no retinal detachment or ocular atrophy. Postoperative complications mainly included fibrosis exudates in the anterior chamber (18 eyes) and temporary intraocular pressure elevation (3eyes).

Under treatment with systemic antibiotics, vitrectomy combined with silicone oil filling may be a reasonable alternative to standard endophthalmitis treatment using intravitreal antibiotics.