Predictors for Visual Outcome After Silicone Oil Removal in Eyes with Complicated Retinal Detachment

To determine the predictors for visual outcome after silicone oil removal (SOR) in eyes with complicated retinal detachment.

A total of 182 eyes with complicated retinal detachment that had undergone SOR were retrospectively reviewed. Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and complications were recorded at baseline, 1 day, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. Good visual outcome was defined as best-corrected visual acuity of ≥20/200 at 3 months visit. Factors predicting visual outcome were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis.

After SOR, anatomical retinal reattachment was noted in 165 eyes (90.66%). Good visual outcome (VA ≥ 20/200) was achieved in 104 eyes (57.14%) at 3 months after SOR. For the eyes that remained attached after SOR, the percentage of good visual outcome was 63.03%. With univariate and multivariate analysis, visual acuity before SOR (p<0.001), circumferential peripheral retinopexy (p=0.037), additional endolaser during SOR (p=0.004), and pseudophakia status at the last follow up (p=0.021) were associated with visual outcome. Complications after SOR included redetachment (9.4%), hypotony (6.6%) and bullous keratopathy (1.7%).

While anatomically attached retina was achieved in most of the patients, the functional outcomes were still much lower. Good BCVA before SOR and pseudophakia status at the last follow up were predictors for good visual outcomes, whereas circumferential peripheral retinopexy and additional endolaser during SOR were predictors for poor visual outcomes after SOR in eyes with complicated retinal detachment.