Unexplained Visual Loss After Silicone Oil Removal: A 7-Year Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Visual Acuity Research

Background:

• Unexplained visual loss following silicone oil (SO) removal has been reported.
• Determining the incidence and causes of this phenomenon is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To ascertain the incidence of unexplained visual acuity loss after SO removal.
• To identify potential factors contributing to unexplained vision loss post-SO removal.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery with SO tamponade and subsequent removal.
• Exclusion of cases with identified causes of visual loss, including ocular hypertension (OHT), retinal re-detachment, glaucoma, proliferative membranes, or corneal decompensation.
• Utilized spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to rule out macular edema or retinal changes.

Main Results:

• Unexplained visual acuity loss occurred in 10.9% of cases following SO removal.
• Ocular hypertension (OHT) during SO tamponade (p=0.046) and silicone emulsification (p=0.001) were significantly associated with unexplained visual loss.
• A total of 46 eyes were analyzed, with 34.8% experiencing some visual acuity loss and 23.9% having vision loss due to known secondary causes.

Conclusions:

• Unexplained visual acuity loss after silicone oil removal affects approximately 10.9% of patients.
• Ocular hypertension during silicone tamponade and silicone emulsification are significant risk factors for unexplained vision loss.