Keratopathy following pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil filling

Out of 196 aphakic and 4 phakic eyes with silicone oil in the anterior chamber (all vitrectomized, postoperative follow-up 6 months to 5 years) we found 83 eyes (42%) with keratopathy. They present clinically and histologically as calcific band keratopathy (55 eyes) or diffuse bullous corneal edema (28 eyes). Time of onset, course and frequency in correlation to preoperative diagnosis are analyzed. Pathogenesis, prevention and therapy of keratopathy are discussed.