Heavy silicone oil tamponade: a multicentre experience.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Vitreoretinal Medicine

Background:

• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) poses a significant challenge in vitreoretinal surgery.
• Heavy silicone oils are utilized as intraocular tamponade agents in complex retinal detachment repairs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the multicenter use of Densiron 68, a heavy silicone oil, for anatomical reattachment in RRD repair.
• To assess the efficacy and complication profile of Densiron 68 in a real-world setting.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 134 eyes from seven UK vitreoretinal units between January 2015 and December 2019.
• Primary outcomes included primary and final reattachment rates, Densiron retention, and failure rates.
• Secondary outcomes assessed tamponade duration, final visual acuity, and complications.

Main Results:

• A final reattachment rate of 73.4% was achieved.
• The mean duration of Densiron 68 tamponade was 139.5 days.
• Complications included 10.7% emulsification and 6.0% requiring long-term topical steroids for uveitis.

Conclusions:

• Densiron 68 demonstrates efficacy in achieving anatomical reattachment for RRD.
• The heavy silicone oil is particularly useful for tamponading inferior retinal pathologies.
• Further consideration of Densiron 68 for inferior retinal pathologies is warranted.