Complications of emulsified silicone oil after retinal detachment repair.

Intraocular silicone oil has several important indications in vitreoretinal surgery, particularly the repair of complicated retinal detachments. Emulsification is a clinically significant complication of using silicone oil tamponade. There are several factors that can promote or prevent silicone oil emulsification after retinal detachment repair, including protein surfactants, contaminants, and shear forces. However, the duration of tamponade remains the most significant one. After emulsification has occurred, keratopathy and glaucoma are the most common complications. However, recent work has shown that emulsification can also affect the retina, optic nerve, and even extraocular structures. Limiting the amount of time the silicone oil remains in the eye is the most important factor in reducing its complications.