INTRAOCULAR EMULSION OF SILICONE OIL (ITEMS) GRADING SYSTEM: An Evidence-Based Expert-Led Consensus

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery

Background:

• Silicone oil (SiO) is frequently used as an intraocular tamponade in retinal detachment surgery.
• Assessing the presence and extent of SiO emulsion is crucial for patient outcomes.
• Current methods for detecting SiO emulsion lack standardization, hindering comparative studies.

Approach:

• A literature review was conducted by seven experts on intraocular liquid tamponades.
• A two-round Delphi method questionnaire was used to gather expert consensus on grading criteria.
• Consensus was reached on specific items for grading SiO emulsion, defined by a score of ≥7 from ≥75% of experts.

Key Points:

• The InTraocular EMulsion of Silicone oil (ITEMS) grading system was developed.
• The ITEMS system facilitates the identification of SiO microbubbles and large SiO bubbles using various ophthalmic examination techniques.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is incorporated to detect SiO-associated hyperreflective dots in the macula and optic disk.

Conclusions:

• The ITEMS grading system provides a standardized, expert-validated method for assessing SiO emulsion.
• This system allows for homogenous data collection, improving the understanding of SiO emulsion's clinical relevance.
• The ITEMS system facilitates comparisons across different studies, advancing research in the field.