Entrapped preretinal oil bubble: report of two cases.

BACKGROUND

Retained preretinal bubbles were found over the posterior retina after silicone oil removal in patients who had received complicated vitreoretinal surgery.

CASE

We report on two patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery with silicone oil infusion for giant retinal tears; perfluorocarbon liquid was used during the surgery. Posteriorly located preretinal oil was noted after silicone oil removal in both patients.

OBSERVATIONS

In both cases, oil bubbles formed, which were transparent and located in unusual places for a long period of time. No alteration of refractive status or harmful effect seemed to be associated with these retained oil bubbles.

CONCLUSIONS

This strange phenomenon of fixed preretinal oil bubbles may occur after vitreoretinal surgery. It did not seem to be harmful to the retina during the follow-up periods.