Familiarity with Treatment

Silicone oil is often used in vitreoretinal surgery to provide long-term internal tamponade in cases of complicated retinal detachment. Once the retina has stabilized, the silicone oil is typically removed to prevent complications and improve visual outcomes.

Procedure Explanation

1. Preparation: The eye is numbed with local or general anesthesia.
2. Incision: Small incisions are made in the sclera (the white part of the eye).
3. Oil Removal: A cannula is inserted to aspirate the silicone oil from the eye. This may involve a hybrid technique using both 20-gauge and 23-gauge instruments for efficient removal.
4. Completion: The incisions are closed, and the eye is monitored for any immediate complications.

Who is it Suitable For?

• Patients who have had silicone oil placed for retinal detachment repair.
• Individuals whose retina has stabilized and no longer requires the tamponade effect of the silicone oil.
• Patients experiencing complications from the silicone oil, such as increased intraocular pressure or oil emulsification.

Who is it Not Suitable For?

• Patients with unstable retinal conditions that still require the support of silicone oil.
• Individuals with active eye infections or severe inflammation.
• Those with significant ocular trauma or other conditions that may complicate the removal process.

Advantages

• Reduces the risk of complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, and keratopathy.
• Improves visual acuity by removing the refractive interference of the oil.
• Reduces intraocular pressure.
• Prevents silicone oil emulsification and associated complications.

Complications

• Recurrent retinal detachment.
• Increased intraocular pressure.
• Hypotony (low intraocular pressure).
• Infection or inflammation.
• Corneal decompensation.
• Adherence of oil droplets to intraocular structures.

Previous Care

• Comprehensive eye examination to determine suitability.
• Routine monitoring of intraocular pressure and retinal status.
• Detailed discussion of potential risks and benefits with the ophthalmologist.

Aftercare

• Use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes.
• Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing.
• Temporary use of protective eyewear.
• Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks.

Stay at Hospital?

• This is typically an outpatient procedure, so an overnight stay at the hospital is not required. Patients can usually go home the same day after a brief observation period.