Intravitreal Injections for Macular Edema in Silicone Oil Filled Eyes

Macular edema is a known complication following complicated retinal detachment repair with silicone oil (SiO) tamponade. Limited previous research has not led to a consensus regarding the safety and efficacy of intra-SiO injections. Consequently, we aim to present our case series study on intra-SiO injections for postoperative macular edema.

A retrospective, single-center, case series study of eight eyes that developed macular edema postoperatively following complicated retinal detachment repair surgery with SiO tamponade, were treated with different forms of intravitreal injections such as steroids or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The main outcome measures included visual acuity (VA), central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), and the type and number of injections.

The mean age (±SD) of the patients was 64.75±8.9 years. The mean follow-up period (±SD) was 3.1±2.2 years. The mean (±SD) number of injections was 8.25±7.24. Mean (±SD) VA (in LogMAR) and CSMT before injections were 1.7±0.8 and 488±104 μm, respectively. At the last follow-up visit, the mean (±SD) VA and CSMT were 1.4±0.7 (p-value=0.45) and 396±184 μm (p-value=0.11), respectively. Overall, patients showed a partial response without a significant worsening of the macular edema and VA. No complications were reported following repetitive intravitreal injections.

Macular edema in silicone oil-filled eyes may be safely and effectively treated with intravitreal injections to halt its deterioration and preserve vision, especially when SiO removal is not anticipated in the foreseeable future.