Primary heavy silicone oil usage in inferior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

To evaluate the efficacy and complications of heavy silicone oil (Densiron 68) in primary inferiorly located retinal detachment.

Sixty-seven eyes of patients aged 24-79 years with inferior primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with/without proliferative vitreoretinopathy grades C and lower were included in the study. The mean duration of the Densiron endotamponade was 87 days (range, 60-180 days), with a mean follow-up after removal of 110 +/- 41 days.

Anatomical success was achieved in 64 of 67 eyes with completed follow-up. The mean visual acuity was changed significantly (p < 0.05). Partial superior redetachment occurred in 3 cases during endotamponade. No redetachment occurred after removal of the silicone oil. Postoperative best corrected visual acuity was better than 20/40 in 43 of cases at the end of follow-up. The mean intraocular pressure was 19.2 mm Hg during endotamponade follow-up. Mild to moderate intraocular inflammation was detected in 7 eyes. In 6 cases, adherence of residual bubble or bubbles was present after removal of the heavy silicone oil. Other complications, like elevated intraocular pressure (n = 6), emulsification (n = 8), temporary lens opacities (n = 14) or early cataract (n = 9), were detected after the operation.

Long-term endotamponade with Densiron in inferior retinal detachment appears to be a safe and useful option.