Long-term results of successful vitrectomy with silicone oil for advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

We have analyzed the six-month, one-year, and two-year follow-up examinations in 47 patients who had silicone oil injection in combination with revision of vitrectomy for intractable retinal detachment and advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy. A visual acuity of 5/200 or better was attained in 22 eyes at six months (47%), 17 eyes at one year (36%), and 14 eyes at two years (30%). Of eyes that were completely attached posterior to the buckle at six months, 77% remained attached at two years. In those eyes that were attached at six months, corneal decompensation was the most frequent cause of a loss of vision between six months and two years. Silicone oil was removed in 22 eyes (47%).