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Writer's pictureMadhuvanthi Mohan

Oily Eye!

Silicon oil⁣

● Intraocular tamponade to maintain adhesion between RPE and neurosensory retina⁣

● Hydrophobic, specific gravity (0.97) less than water, refractive index (1.4) higher than⁣

vitreous⁣

● Repeating units of siloxane⁣

● Available in 1000/5000 centistokes⁣

Advantages:⁣

1. High surface tension⁣

2. Ease of removal⁣

3. Low toxicity⁣

4. Immiscible with water⁣




Immiscibility + High surface tension + Low SG = Tamponade effect on superior retina⁣

Preferable to use it when high elevation travel/flight travel is planned Difficulty in maintaining prone positioning⁣

Disadvantages:⁣

● Surface tension less than gas/saline- can pass through retinal breaks under traction more easily than gas⁣

● Hydrophobic - does not have desired retinal contact⁣

● Low SG- tamponade of inferior retina is difficult⁣

● Refractive index needs optical adjustments⁣

● Post-operative cataract formation⁣

● Emulsified SO can adhere to IOL⁣

● Secondary glaucoma⁣

● Corneal decompensation⁣


Indications:⁣


1. RD with PVR- prevents vasoproliferative factor migration, decrease post op hemorrhage⁣

2. Severe PDR- Diabetic TRD⁣

3. Macular hole⁣

4. Giant retinal tears- unfolding the retina⁣

5. Traumatic RD - long term tamponade⁣

6. Those who want to travel by air/ cannot maintain prone positioning⁣

7. Chronic uveitis with profound hypotony⁣

8. Infectious retinitis⁣

⁣9. Endophthalmitis- antibacterial properties ⁣

Complications:⁣

1. Emulsification⁣

2. Cataract⁣

3. Secondary glaucoma⁣

4. Band shaped keratopathy⁣

5. Corneal decompensation⁣

6. Recurrent retinal detachment⁣

7. Absorption of SO by silicon intraocular lenses⁣

8. Migration of silicon oil into optic nerve and brain



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