Outcomes After the Use of Silicone Oil in Complex Retinal Detachment Repair.

PURPOSE

This study compares visual acuity (VA), anatomic outcomes, and complications in eyes that underwent complex retinal detachment (RD) repair in which silicone oil (SO) was retained vs removed.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing vitrectomy with SO tamponade. The eyes were divided into 2 groups based upon SO removal or retention. Main outcome measures were corrected VA, anatomic outcomes, and the presence of SO-related complications.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven eyes with removed SO and 53 eyes with retained SO were identified. In both groups, the mean best-corrected VA (BCVA) at the final visit was significantly better than at baseline. In the retained-SO group, vision improved from 1.79 ± 0.6 to 1.2 ± 0.7 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (Snellen, 20/1200 to 20/350) at the final visit ( < .001). In the removed-SO group, mean BCVA improved from 1.84 ± 0.5 at baseline to 1.55 ± 0.6 logMAR units (Snellen, 20/1400 to 20/700) at the visit preceding SO removal ( < .002) and to 1.43 ± 0.6 logMAR units (Snellen, 20/500) at the final visit ( < .001). Complication rates were similar in both groups, apart from RD, which occurred more frequently in the removed-SO group ( = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

There was similarity in VA and complications among patients with removed or retained SO. Removal of SO may benefit eyes with SO-related complications, but SO retention may decrease the chance of RD and may be indicated in selected cases.