Silicone oil in retinal detachment surgery. Results and complications

Results and complications with the use of intraocular silicone oil in 25 eyes operated on for complicated retinal detachment are reported. Most eyes had undergone several operations for detachment before silicone injection. The follow-up time after silicone injection was 12-48 months. In perforating injuries the outcome was quite poor, 27% received anatomic success (attached retina) compared to primary rhegmatogenous detachments with 57% success rate. Visual acuity was counting fingers 1 m or better in 56% in the whole group examined. Silicone oil was removed in 5 eyes. Of the late complications, keratopathy occurred in 3 eyes (12%), increased intraocular pressure in 4 eyes (16%), and cataract in 2 of 3 phakic eyes. Angiographic signs of iris neovascularization were obvious or suspected in 3 of 9 eyes examined.