Intraocular pressure changes during and after silicone oil endotamponade (Review)

Silicone oil (SIO) has rapidly become an indispensable adjunct in vitreoretinal surgery. Constant improvements in purity and also in viscosity have not totally prevented specific complications that may occur during endotamponade. Results of in vitro studies that suggested that higher viscosity silicone oil might be superior in terms of stability and safety are confirmed in real life only if endotamponade lasts for more than 6 months. Intraocular pressure changes induced by the silicone oil endotamponade or oil extraction are documented from its very first use and are potentially threatening vision. The purpose of this review is to update current knowledge on the incidence, risk factors, pathogenesis, and management of secondary silicone oil glaucoma. Also, in a retrospective evaluation on cases with complex retinal detachments that underwent 23G vitrectomy and high viscosity SIO endotamponade, we have noticed that a considerable number of cases developed significant intraocular pressure changes during SIO endotamponade and after SIO removal, especially in early postoperative period.