[Echographic findings following intravitreous silicone injections]

In 27 patients treated by silicone injection combined with pars plana vitrectomy various conditions of the retina were demonstrated by echography. As a result of silicone oil instillation the vitreous distance is prolonged and the sound absorption is higher. At the border of the silicone bubble the reflective echos are especially high. From the form of the border echos of the silicone bubble it is possible to determine whether there is a retinal detachment, with or without subretinal silicone. It is shown that the examination results always depend on the position of the patient's head when the silicone bubble does not completely fill the vitreous cavity. The authors have worked out a set of rules which, because of their reproducibility, enable the surgeon to draw diagnostic conclusions in cases of opacity of the anterior segment.