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Updated: Dec 27, 2025
A Reversible Silicon Oil-Induced Ocular Hypertension Model in Mice
Published on: November 15, 2019
Agitation of the syringe and release of silicone oil
Celso de Souza Dias Júnior1, Alexandre Lima Cardoso1, Ana Galrão de Almeida Figueiredo2
1Hospital de Olhos de Sergipe, Aracaju-SE, Brazil.
Background/Objectives:
To investigate whether agitation promotes the release of silicone oil by different models of syringe used for intravitreal injection.
Methods:
This lab study analyzed eight syringe models by light microscopy for the release of silicone oil under agitation (flick), without agitation, and positive controls. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to identify the molecular compounds inside the syringes.
Results:
A total of 240 syringes were analyzed. The presence of silicone oil droplets was observed in all positive controls. When agitated by flicking, 100% of the samples of the syringes disclosed silicone oil, except the BD Plastipak syringe, which presented 40% of positivity. Without agitation, a smaller percentage of samples with silicone oil was observed. Agitation by flicking had a 265-fold greater chance of presenting oil droplets when compared with the syringes without agitation. There was a statistically significant difference between the three conditions (P < 0.05). Analysis of the tip of the plunger rubber by FTIR indicated the presence of polysiloxane (silicone oil) in all models of syringe.
Conclusions:
Agitation of the syringe promotes the release of silicone oil. It is recommended to improve the technique of injection and the manufacture of specific syringes for ophthalmological use.
