Silicone oil removal from aphakic eyes using a side irrigating cannula

ABSTRACT

In an interventional case series, 11 aphakic eyes of 11 patients with previous vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade underwent passive silicone oil removal under topical anesthesia through a single clear cornea incision with use of a side irrigating phacoemulsification irrigation cannula without performing a sclerotomy. All procedures were simple, short and uncomplicated. The only observed complication was minimal localized corneal edema the day after the procedure, which resolved within 1-2 days. Use of a side irrigating cannula permits safe and simple removal of silicone oil under topical anesthesia through a single clear cornea incision without need for sclerotomy