[The effect of silicone oil on the ocular tissues]

It has been pointed out that the silicone oil tamponade can result in complications such as corneal damage, elevation of intraocular pressure and retinal toxicity against. The effect of silicone oil on the ocular tissues was investigated histopathologically by injecting silicone oil into the anterior chamber of the eyes of rabbits. In addition, in order to study its effect on the retina, silicone oil was injected into the vitreous cavity after vitrectomy. The eyes were extracted 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months after injection and various tissues were observed by light and electron microscopy. Silicone oil particles were first observed in the retro-corneal membrane 18 months after injection. In the trabecular meshwork silicone oil particles were seen for the first time 12 months after injection. Migrating cells engulfing silicone oil particles were attached to the internal limiting membrane of the retina three months after injection. Twelve and 18 months after injection, silicone oil particles passed through the internal limiting membrane and were engulfed by Mueller cells.