A rationale for the use of liquid silicone.

The fundamental problem of massive retinal retraction in the contractual stage is due to the establishment of contracting membranes, both on the surface of the retina and away from the surface. These membranes distort and immobilize the retina in a way that cannot be effectively treated by buckling alone. The injection of liquid silicone enables the membrane to be stretched to a point at which it either ruptures spontaneously, or can be ruptured at a point of weakness by a needle tip. The retina, being still elastic, is able to stretch further than the membrane. At this point the membrane is actively elevated by the injecting needle and separated from the retina aa widely as possible. Liquid silicone enables significant membranes to be easily visualized, when separated, to be divided.