Transpupillary Silicone Oil Removal through a Posterior Capsulorhexis and Intraocular Lens Implantation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transpupillary silicone oil removal using posterior capsulorhexis (PCCC) combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 25 eyes of 25 patients who had undergone silicone oil removal through PCCC from December 1998 to August 2004. IOLs were placed in the bag or in the sulcus after the silicone oil was removed using PCCC. Preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity, refractive error, intraocular pressure (IOP), silicone oil removal time, slit lamp examination, and specular microscopy were evaluated. RESULTS: After the surgery, visual acuity improved in 23 eyes (92%) and a refractive error deviation of 0.5 diopter or more compared with targeted refractive error was found in 13 eyes (52%). Re-detachment of the retina occurred in 3 eyes (12%), increased IOP was observed in 4 eyes (16%), and transient corneal edema in 2 eyes (8%). Endothelial cell count decreased significantly after the operation (P<0.01). However, this change was not statistically significant compared to that of the control group, where only the phacoemulsification was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Silicone oil removal through PCCC after phacoemulsification may be one of the best surgical options for patients who need cataract surgery along with silicone oil removal, provided that the retina is stable and no additional procedures such as membrane peeling, are necessary.