The use of silicone oil in vitreoretinal surgery

Silicone oil is used with increasing frequency to treat complex vitreoretinal disorders. We report our results in 48 consecutive cases (50 eyes) with at least 6 months' follow-up. Postoperatively the retina was completely attached in 76% of eyes. A final visual acuity of 5/200 or better was achieved in 66% of eyes. Complications seen with silicone oil injection include recurrent detachment, corneal decompensation, cataract formation and increased intraocular pressure. The use of sophisticated vitreoretinal surgical techniques in addition to silicone oil injection allowed successful management in eyes that would otherwise have had a poor prognosis.