Primary heavy silicone oil usage in inferior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and complications of heavy silicone oil (Densiron 68) in primary inferiorly located retinal detachment.

METHODS

Sixty-seven eyes of patients aged 24-79 years with inferior primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with/without proliferative vitreoretinopathy grades C and lower were included in the study. The mean duration of the Densiron endotamponade was 87 days (range, 60-180 days), with a mean follow-up after removal of 110 +/- 41 days.

RESULTS

Anatomical success was achieved in 64 of 67 eyes with completed follow-up. The mean visual acuity was changed significantly (p < 0.05). Partial superior redetachment occurred in 3 cases during endotamponade. No redetachment occurred after removal of the silicone oil. Postoperative best corrected visual acuity was better than 20/40 in 43 of cases at the end of follow-up. The mean intraocular pressure was 19.2 mm Hg during endotamponade follow-up. Mild to moderate intraocular inflammation was detected in 7 eyes. In 6 cases, adherence of residual bubble or bubbles was present after removal of the heavy silicone oil. Other complications, like elevated intraocular pressure (n = 6), emulsification (n = 8), temporary lens opacities (n = 14) or early cataract (n = 9), were detected after the operation.

CONCLUSION

Long-term endotamponade with Densiron in inferior retinal detachment appears to be a safe and useful option.