The influence of intravitreously injected silicone oil on electrophysiological potentials of the eye.

In a prospective study the effect of silicone oil injected in the vitreous cavity was monitored electrophysiologically in six patients who were treated for retinal detachment. Electroretinograms (ERG) and electrooculograms (EOG) were recorded before, shortly after, and up to four months following the removal of the oil. An evident increase of the standing potential could be observed in all eyes after removal of the silicone oil. In some patients the ERG amplitudes increased also. No fast oscillations and virtually no slow oscillations could be recorded in the EOG. Follow-up studies did not show a significant recovery of the bioelectric activity. Intravitreal silicone oil appears to cause an insulation effect which interferes with the propagation of electrical potentials. The result of the present study do not provide information concerning possible retinotoxic effects of silicone oil.