[Retinal tamponade with silicone oil - long term results]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery

Background:

• Silicone oil (SO) tamponade is utilized in various retinal diseases.
• Its efficacy, incidence, and complication rates require evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the frequency and effectiveness of SO retinal tamponade.
• To analyze SO tamponade incidence by indication, complications, and duration.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 510 eyes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) from 2010-2012.
• Evaluation of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinal detachment (RD), endophthalmitis, and ocular trauma.
• Follow-up ranged from 12 to 48 months (average 27.5 months).

Main Results:

• SO tamponade used in 22.1% of DR, 37.8% of RD, 47% of endophthalmitis, and 63.6% of trauma cases.
• Secondary glaucoma occurred in 71.5% of DR, 40.8% of RD, 18.8% of endophthalmitis, and 35.7% of trauma eyes.
• Visual acuity outcomes varied post-SO removal, with significant rates of worse vision (0.1 or less) in DR (54.6%) and RD (55.0%) groups.

Conclusions:

• Silicone oil tamponade provides long-term, stable retinal support essential for surgical outcomes.
• Despite potential complications like secondary glaucoma, SO remains a critical and often irreplaceable tool in retinal surgery.
• Cataract progression was noted in phakic eyes, with high rates of cataract surgery within 3 years.