Macular and Optic Disc Perfusion Changes After Silicone Oil Removal Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: A Prospective Study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the changes in macular and optic disc microvascular structures in patients who underwent silicone oil (SO) removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 patients scheduled for unilateral SO removal were included in the study. Their fellow eyes served as controls. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of the retina (6.0 mm) and disc (4.5 mm) was performed one day before SO removal, and then at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. All analyses were conducted using the R programming language, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: After silicone oil removal, statistically significant changes were observed in the flow in the outer retina and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density for small and all vessels inside the disc. Statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups were noted in vessel density in both the superficial and deep capillary plexuses and RPC density for small and all vessels. CONCLUSION: Changes in macular vessel density and radial peripapillary capillary density were observed after SO removal. The latter changes appear to improve after the first postoperative month and continue until the first postoperative year. Notably, these changes were significant between the first postoperative week and 6 and 12 postoperative months (p = 0.0263 and p = 0.021, respectively). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) is likely associated with these parameters, indicating that improvement may be observed even one year following SO removal.

Functional and perfusion changes associated with silicone oil tamponade after macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery: an optical coherence tomography angiography/microperimetry study.

PURPOSE: The current study utilizes microperimetry and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to assess the optic nerve head vasculature, retinal microvasculature, and retinal sensitivity before and after silicone oil (SO) removal. METHODS: This prospective observational case series study involved 30 eyes subjected to silicone oil endotamponade. Microperimetry and OCTA were utilized to assess the vascular density (VD) of the macula and optic nerve head, as well as the retinal sensitivity (RS), of the participants preoperatively and 1 month following SO removal. The correlation between the various parameters of OCTA and microperimetry was evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (p-value < 0.001) and the postoperative total RS, which was 6.38 ± 2.34 dB as compared to a mean preoperative total RS of 5.04 ± 2.06 dB (p-value < 0.001) and showing a significant increase in all rings. However, there was no significant difference in the pre and postoperative macular VD. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in the postoperative VD of the whole disk and the peripapillary capillary plexus, p-values < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively. CONCLUSION: The removal of SO resulted in significant improvements in retinal sensitivity, vision, and optic nerve perfusion. However, no significant change was observed in macular VD. CLINICAL TRIALS: gov Identifier: NCT04928196.

Modified silicone oil removal combined with scleral buckling for retinal detachment after silicone oil tamponade / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of modified silicone oil removal combined with scleral buckling in the treatment of patients with retinal detachment under silicone oil tamponade.METHODS:The retrospective study included a total of 14 patients(14 eyes)who underwent treatment for retinal detachment with silicone oil tamponade at our hospital between January 2021 and February 2023. The modified silicon oil extraction combined with scleral buckling procedure was employed. A self-made 23-gauge suction device was applied in the silicon oil extraction, which involved removing the needle from a disposable blood transfusion set, trimming it to 2.5-3.0 mm near the beveled end, and connecting the other end to a 10 mL syringe without the plunger. The opposite end of the syringe was connected to the negative pressure system of the vitreous cutter to accomplish the silicon oil removal. Scleral compression blocks in scleral buckling surgery using a homemade composite device. No additional silicon oil was injected after the procedure. Follow-up was conducted for 6 mo, assessing retinal reattachment, best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure, and complications.RESULTS: At the 6 mo follow-up, the retina was completely reset in 13 eyes, with a retinal reset rate of 93%, and an improvement in BCVA(LogMAR)compared with the preoperative period(0.95±0.18 vs 1.15±0.21, P=0.002). Transient high IOP occurred in 6 eyes at 1 d postoperatively and returned to normal after medication control. There were no intraoperative complications such as retinal hemorrhage, retinal incarceration, or iatrogenic retinal breaks, and no postoperative complications such as endophthalmitis or choroidal detachment.CONCLUSIONS:Modified silicone oil removal combined with scleral buckling can effectively treat retinal detachment in the silicone oil tamponade and induce retinal reattachment.

The Emulsification of Silicone Oil 5000 cs in Patients With Retinal Detachment.

Background The emulsification of silicone oil is a significant concern for those with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) following surgery. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of emulsification in the patients who underwent primary vitrectomy and were administered 5000 cs silicone oil. Methodology The Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust in Lahore conducted an ophthalmology study from January 2022 to March 2023. The patients who had primary vitrectomy for RRD with silicone oil tamponade were included regardless of age or gender. Those on anti-inflammatory or steroid medications prior to surgery were excluded. Retinal attachment was examined 8-12 weeks post operation to assess silicone oil removal eligibility. Emulsification occurrence was reported. Data on emulsification time, visual acuity (pre- and post-removal), mean intraocular pressure (IOP), and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY). The results were graphically presented with mean, standard deviations, frequencies, and proportions. Results A total of 158 patients underwent silicone oil removal after undergoing primary vitrectomy for RRD with silicone oil. The mean age of the patients was 45.90 ± 17.8 years. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) among the patients was 16.28 ± 2.97 mmHg. Post removal of silicone oil, the IOP was reduced to 12.66 ± 3.02 mmHg. In 11 out of 158 cases (6.9%) of RRD, emulsification had occurred with silicone oil 5000 cs. We found that out of 11 cases of emulsification, eight (72.73%) were 40 years or older in age. Seven (63.64%) patients had tamponade duration of 10 weeks or longer. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion In conclusion, our study found that the incidence of emulsification of 5000 cs silicone oil in the patients who underwent primary vitrectomy for the treatment of RRD was 6.9%. We observed that emulsification was more frequent in patients aged 40 years or older and those with a tamponade duration of 10 weeks or longer, although the difference was not statistically significant. Further investigation with bigger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods is required to verify our findings and explore potential factors that could lead to emulsification in this group of patients.

Axial length, vitreoretinal pathology, and anterior chamber depth can predict postoperative refractive outcomes in phacovitrectomy/silicone oil removal.

AIM: To evaluate the postoperative refractive prediction error (PE) and determine the factors that affect the refractive outcomes of combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or silicone oil removal (SOR) with cataract surgery. METHODS: The study is a retrospective, case-series study. Totally 301 eyes of 301 patients undergoing combined PPV/SOR with cataract surgery were enrolled. Eligible individuals were separated into four groups according to their preoperative diagnoses: silicone oil-filled eyes after PPV (group 1), epiretinal membrane (group 2), macular hole (group 3), and primary retinal detachment (RD; group 4). The variables affecting postoperative refractive outcomes were analyzed, including age, gender, preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length (AL), keratometry average, anterior chamber depth (ACD), intraocular tamponade, and vitreoretinal pathology. The outcome measurements include the mean refractive PE and the proportions of eyes with a PE within ±0.50 diopter (D) and ±1.00 D. RESULTS: For all patients, the mean PE was -0.04±1.17 D, and 50.17% of patients (eyes) had a PE within ±0.50 D. There was a significant difference in refractive outcomes among the four groups (P=0.028), with RD (group 4) showing the least favorable refractive outcome. In multivariate regression analysis, only AL, vitreoretinal pathology, and ACD were strongly associated with PE (all P<0.01). Univariate analysis revealed that longer eyes (AL>26 mm) and a deeper ACD were correlated with hyperopic PE, and shorter eyes (AL<26 mm) and a shallower ACD were correlated with myopic PE. CONCLUSION: RD patients have the least favorable refractive outcome. AL, vitreoretinal pathology, and ACD are strongly associated with PE in the combined surgery. These three factors affect refractive outcomes and thus can be used to predict a better postoperative refractive outcome in clinical practice.

Early vascular changes after silicone oil removal using optical coherence tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the vascular changes in the macular and peripapillary regions before and after silicone oil (SO) removal in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: This single-center case series assessed patients who underwent SO removal at one hospital. Patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and perfluoropropane gas tamponade (PPV + C3F8) were selected as controls. Superficial vessel density (SVD) and superficial perfusion density (SPD) in the macular and peripapillary regions were assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed using LogMAR. RESULTS: Fifty eyes were administered SO tamponade, 54 SO tamponade(SOT) contralateral eyes, 29 PPV + C3F8 eyes, and 27 PPV + C3F8 contralateral eyes were selected. SVD and SPD in the macular region were lower in eyes administered SO tamponade compared with SOT contralateral eyes (P < 0.01). Except for the central area, SVD and SPD in the other areas of the peripapillary region were reduced after SO tamponade without SO removal (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found in SVD and SPD between PPV + C3F8 contralateral and PPV + C3F8 eyes. After SO removal, macular SVD and SPD showed significant improvements compared with preoperative values, but no improvements in SVD and SPD were observed in the peripapillary region. BCVA (LogMAR) decreased post-operation and was negatively correlated with macular SVD and SPD. CONCLUSIONS: SVD and SPD are decreased during SO tamponade and increased in the macular region of eyes that underwent SO removal, suggesting a possible mechanism for reduced visual acuity during or after SO tamponade. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration date: 22/05/2019; Registration number, ChiCTR1900023322; Registration site, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR).

Different lens power calculation formulas for the prediction of refractive outcome after phacoemulsification with silicone oil removal.

BACKGROUND: Formulas predicting intraocular lens power have not been compared in silicone oil-tamponaded eyes. The study aims to compare six intraocular lens power assessment formulas in silicone oil-tamponaded eyes. METHODS: This prospective study included patients with silicone oil-tamponaded eyes scheduled for silicone oil removal, phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation at Chongqing Aier Eye Hospital (June 2019 to December 2019). Implanted intraocular lens power was used to predict postsurgical spherical equivalence using SRK/T, Holladay 1, Holladay 2, Haigis, Hoffer Q, and Barrett Universal II, and assess those formula's predictive accuracy with predictive error. RESULTS: The analysis included 47 eyes in 47 patients (28 and 19 eyes with normal and long axial length, respectively). Postoperative spherical equivalence at 6 months in normal and long axial length eyes was - 0.6 ± 0.96 and - 0.8 ± 1.52 D, respectively. Predictive error values for SRK/T, Holladay 1, Holladay 2, Haigis, and Hoffer Q and Barrett Universal II were - 0.18 ± 0.92, - 0.15 ± 0.88, - 0.06 ± 0.94, - 0.15 ± 0.87, and - 0.05 ± 0.90 D and - 0.06 ± 0.90, respectively, for normal axial length eyes and 0.15 ± 1.16, 0.46 ± 1.17, 0.28 ± 1.11, - 0.04 ± 1.12, 0.49 ± 1.09 D and 0.11 ± 0.99, respectively, for long axial length eyes. For normal axial length eyes, predicted outcomes were similar to actual outcomes for all formulas. For long axial length eyes, predicted outcomes differed significantly from measured postsurgical values for Holladay 1, Holladay 2, and Hoffer Q (P < 0.05) but not SRK/T or Haigis or Barrett Universal II . CONCLUSIONS: The formulas had comparable predictive accuracy in silicone oil-tamponaded eyes with normal axial length, but Haigis or SRK/T or Barrett Universal II may be preferable in long axial length eyes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR1900023215.

Longitudinal evaluation of retinal thickness and OCTA parameters before and following silicone oil removal in eyes with macula-on and macula-off retinal detachments.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the longitudinal retinal vascular and structural alterations by using OCTA following successful repair of retinal detachment (RD) by using silicone oil (SO) endotamponade. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed on 24 eyes of 24 subjects; 17 of them with macula-off and seven with macula-on RD. At least four OCTA scans were generated for each study eye; two before and two after SO removal (SOR). At each session, retinal thickness (RT), vascular density (VD) in the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexuses (DCP) and foveal avascular zone(FAZ) size were measured within the fovea, parafovea and whole macular image. The changes in repeated measures of the same parameters especially before and after SOR were performed and compared within macula-on and macula-off groups and between fellow eyes. RESULTS: "In the macula-off eyes, RT measurements within the whole macula, fovea and parafovea reduced as compared with their fellow eyes(p < 0.0001, p = 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and did not improve after SOR. Additionally, all of the whole macular, foveal, and parafoveal VD measurements at SCP and foveal VD at DCP were less than their fellow eyes after SOR (p = 0.026, p = 0.023 p = 0.026, and p = 0.002, respectively). In macula-on eyes, RT measurements decreased within the parafovea and whole macular area before SOR (p = 0.018 and p = 0.011, respectively) but improved after SOR. Also, VD measurements did not change during follow-up and were not statistically different than their fellow eyes (p > 0.05). FAZ enlargement was found in eyes with macular-off RD after SOR, whereas it was not observed with macular-on RD (p = 0.038and p = 0.237, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of macula-off RD with SO tamponade has been associated with vascular retinal abnormalities which did not improve following SOR. On the contrary, successful treatment of RD with SO tamponade in macula-on eyes VD measurements of SCP and DCP were not statistically different than their fellow eyes.

Pars plana subcapsulotomy to remove condense subcapsular opacification in combined surgery of silicone oil removal and phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: Because of the direct contact of intravitreal silicone oil (SO) with the subcapsular membrane, cataract is one of the main SO-related complications. In a group of patients, condense subcapsular opacification occurs, which adds difficulty and risk when having sequential treatment of it. The aim of the current study is to assess the long-term outcomes of pars plana subcapsulotomy to remove condense subcapsular opacification in combined surgery of SO removal and phacoemulsification. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients who were scheduled to have combined surgery of SO removal and phacoemulsification, and with condense subcapsular opacification were included. After phacoemulsification and SO removal, circular subcapsulotomy (diameter = 3-5 mm) was performed with a 23-/25-gauge vitrectomy probe on each subject during the combined surgery. Main outcomes were pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intra- and postoperative complications. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty patients (120 eyes) were included. Postoperative logMAR BCVA at day 1, week 1, month 1, and final follow-up examinations was 1.0 ± 0.5, 0.7 ± 0.4, 0.6 ± 0.4, and 0.6 ± 0.3, respectively. Statistically significant median differences of logMAR BCVA occurred between the preoperative examination and each postoperative follow-up examination (all p < 0.001). The sharpest median increase in logMAR BCVA occurred between the day 1 and week 1 postoperative examinations (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For condense subcapsular opacification caused by SO tamponade, pars plana subcapsulotomy with a 23-/25-gauge vitrectomy probe during combined surgery of SO removal and phacoemulsification is effective and safe to have surgical management of it. The systemic approach enables patients to experience rapid and long-lasting vision rehabilitation in a single procedure.

Predictors for Visual Outcome After Silicone Oil Removal in Eyes with Complicated Retinal Detachment.

Purpose: To determine the predictors for visual outcome after silicone oil removal (SOR) in eyes with complicated retinal detachment. Patients and Methods: A total of 182 eyes with complicated retinal detachment that had undergone SOR were retrospectively reviewed. Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and complications were recorded at baseline, 1 day, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. Good visual outcome was defined as best-corrected visual acuity of ≥20/200 at 3 months visit. Factors predicting visual outcome were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: After SOR, anatomical retinal reattachment was noted in 165 eyes (90.66%). Good visual outcome (VA ≥ 20/200) was achieved in 104 eyes (57.14%) at 3 months after SOR. For the eyes that remained attached after SOR, the percentage of good visual outcome was 63.03%. With univariate and multivariate analysis, visual acuity before SOR (p<0.001), circumferential peripheral retinopexy (p=0.037), additional endolaser during SOR (p=0.004), and pseudophakia status at the last follow up (p=0.021) were associated with visual outcome. Complications after SOR included redetachment (9.4%), hypotony (6.6%) and bullous keratopathy (1.7%). Conclusion: While anatomically attached retina was achieved in most of the patients, the functional outcomes were still much lower. Good BCVA before SOR and pseudophakia status at the last follow up were predictors for good visual outcomes, whereas circumferential peripheral retinopexy and additional endolaser during SOR were predictors for poor visual outcomes after SOR in eyes with complicated retinal detachment.

Application of posterior capsulotomy in cataract surgery combined with silicone oil removal for diabetic retinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To investigate the clinical effect of posterior capsulotomy in diabetic retinopathy with silicone oil removal combined with cataract surgery.<p>METHODS: A retrospective analysis that collected clinical data of 83 cases(83 eyes)diagnosed as diabetic retinopathy and silicone oil filled eyes with cataract and treated in our hospitalfrom January 2019 to February 2020. They were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group consisted 41 eyes received silicone oil removal and posterior capsulotomy combined with cataract surgery; The rest 42 eyes were in control group, who received silicone oil removal combined with cataract surgery. At 6mo after surgery, the best corrected visual acuity, posterior capsular opacification, and floaters were evaluated between the two groups to confirm the advantages of posterior capsulotomy in combined cataract surgery with silicone oil removal for diabetic retinopathy.<p>RESULTS: At 6mo after surgery, the best corrected visual acuity in experimental group was better than control group(<i>P</i><0.05); There were significant differences between the two groups in the posterior capsular opacification, and floaters,experimental group is lower than control group(<i>P</i><0.05). There was no significant difference in intraocular pressure compared to preoperative between the two groups, and no significant difference in retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage and intraocular lens deviationafter operation(<i>P</i>>0.05). <p>CONCLUSION: Posterior capsulotomy is safe and reliable in the application of silicone oil removal combined with cataract surgery for diabetic retinopathy, and can effectively avoid the occurrence of posterior capsular opacification.

New technique for removal of perfluorocarbon liquid related sticky silicone oil and literature review.

AIM: To investigate the safety and efficacy of sticky silicone oil (SSO) removal using a 22-gauge vein detained needle and inner limiting membrane (ILM) wrap-and-peel technique. METHODS: This retrospective consecutive case series reviewed the records of patients with a history of retinal detachment who had received silicone oil and perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) as intraocular tamponades. Patients were included in the analysis if they exhibited SSO remnants during silicone oil removal. The aspiration of most of the SSO remnants was performed by a 22-gauge vein detained needle. The small amounts of droplets adhered to the macula and epi-macular membrane were subsequently removed by the ILM warp-and-peel technique. The anatomical and functional outcomes, and postoperative complications were recorded. In vitro experiments were performed to simulate the formation of SSO remnants in four groups. RESULTS: Of 711 patients who underwent silicone oil removal during the study period, 9 patients exhibited SSO remnants and underwent follow-up for at least 3mo. Seven eyes (78%) underwent the ILM wrap-and-peel technique to completely remove small droplets of SSO that were glued to the macula and epi-macular membrane. No obvious complications occurred. Postoperative optical coherence tomography revealed normal retinal structure in all patients. In vitro analyses showed that balanced salt solution and prolonged vibration (for 1wk) had the strongest effects on silicone oil and PFCL compound opacities. CONCLUSION: SSO remnants could be removed in an intact manner and without complications, using a vein detained needle-assisted and ILM wrap-and-peel technique. The findings suggest that PFCL and infusion fluid should be completely removed before silicone oil injection to prevent SSO formation.

Retinal Changes before and after Silicone Oil Removal in Eyes with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the retinal and choroidal thickness and vessel density (VD) changes between silicone oil (SO) tamponade and after SO removal using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Thirty patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for retinal detachment (RD) with SO tamponade were included. SS-OCT and OCTA were conducted before RD surgery, during SO tamponade, and after SO removal. A 3-dimensional volumetric wide scan protocol was used for the analysis. The segmented retina, choroidal thickness map, and peripapillary thickness were then measured. For the OCTA analysis, 4.5 × 4.5 mm scans were used. Superficial and deep capillary plexus VDs in unaffected fellow eyes and eyes after SO removal were compared. During the SO tamponade period, the thickness of the parafoveal total retina, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (ppRNFL) were significantly thinner than those of unaffected fellow eyes (p < 0.05). The parafoveal layer thickness thinning recovered up to three to six months after SO removal. Moreover, six months after SO removal, the parafoveal thickness was not significantly different compared to that of unaffected fellow eyes (p > 0.05). However, the ppRNFL thickness was significantly decreased during SO tamponade and remained unrecovered six months after SO removal. There was no significant difference in the VD on the OCTA. Thus, SO tamponade and removal for RD resulted in a change in the retinal and peripapillary thickness. This may be due to the mechanical pressure effect of SO.

Hypotony Following Intravitreal Silicone Oil Removal in a Patient With a Complex Retinal Detachment With Giant Retinal Tear.

Postoperative ocular hypotony after silicone oil removal in complex cases of retinal detachment is a complication that can occur in about 20% of cases and can prevent the successful management of retinal detachments. Thus, it is critical to understand the mechanisms of hypotony and the potential interventions that can be done in order to avoid irreversible tissue damage. We present a case of a 35-year-old man who underwent intraocular surgery for removal of silicone oil tamponade following a combined scleral buckling and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) surgery for a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with a giant retinal tear. On Day 1 after the operation, the patient was found to have hypotony with optic disc edema, chorioretinal folds, and visual acuity of 'hand movement' perception. Two weeks postop, the patient's condition stabilized, with a visual acuity of 0.38 logMAR, an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 12 mmHg, and the absence of macular edema.

Microincision phacoemulsification combined with sutureless transpupillary passive silicone oil removal.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of combined microincision phacoemulsification with sutureless transpupillary silicone oil (SO) removal using an irrigation probe of bimanual irrigation/aspiration. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective study, including patients who had undergone phacoemulsification with transpupillary removal of SO, which had been used for intraocular tamponade after a previous pars plana vitrectomy. Outcome measures were corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive error, intraocular pressure (IOP), and endothelial cell count (ECC) evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 3-month follow-up. Any intraoperative or postoperative complications, duration of surgery, and final retinal status at 3 months were also noted. RESULTS: Seventy-four eyes (74 patients) were analyzed. The mean interval between SO placement and cataract surgery was 4.73 months (standard deviation [SD]: 1.02). CDVA improved in 66 (89.2%) eyes and remained the same in 8 (10.8%) eyes (P < 0.001). The mean postoperative spherical equivalent was -0.96D (SD: 0.75) at 3 months (P < 0.001). There was a significant drop in IOP from 15.08 mmHg (SD: 2.67) preoperatively to 11.64 mmHg (SD: 2.02) postoperatively (P < 0.001). The average ECC loss was only 5.7% at 3 months postoperatively. The mean surgical duration was 17.20 min (SD: 7.02). One patient had retinal redetachment and required resurgery. At 3 months, the retina was attached in all patients. CONCLUSION: Combined microincision phacoemulsification with transpupillary passive SO removal using irrigation probe of bimanual irrigation/aspiration is a safe, effective, and less invasive technique that offers the main advantage of reduced surgical trauma, and should be reserved for patients with a stable retina, not requiring additional surgical intervention.

Removal of sticky silicone oil adhered to the retinal surface: comparison of methodological safety and effectiveness.

PURPOSE: To compare safety and effectiveness among methods to remove sticky silicone oil bubbles adhered to the retinal surface. METHODS: This retrospective nonrandomised case series included 14 eyes of 14 patients who had sticky silicone oil residue during silicone oil removal surgery. For small sticky silicone oil bubbles (< 2-disc diameter), aspiration was performed with a 23-gauge vitreous cutter. Residual tiny oil bubbles were then removed with a silicone-tipped flute needle or internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. For large sticky silicone oil bubbles (≥ 2-disc diameter) that could not be removed with a 23-gauge vitreous cutter, we devised a more efficient active removal method involving a modified 22-gauge venous indwelling cannula device. RESULTS: The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) significantly improved from 1.28 ± 0.63 logMAR to 0.77 ± 0.58 logMAR (p = 0.014). The postoperative BCVA and improvement in BCVA were significantly better in the ILM peeling group than in the non-ILM peeling group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.045, respectively). Postoperative complications included residual sticky silicone oil bubbles in seven eyes without ILM peeling (50.0%), retinal neuroepithelial layer damage in two eyes (14.3%), and temporary hypotony in five eyes (35.7%). CONCLUSION: Various methods can safely and efficiently remove sticky silicone oil bubbles adhered to the retinal surface. A 22-gauge venous indwelling cannula enabled simple and safe removal of large sticky silicone oil bubbles, while small residual sticky silicone oil bubbles could be completely removed by ILM peeling.

Risk Factors for Recurrent Myopic Macular Hole Retinal Detachment after Silicone Oil Removal in Patients with Open Flat Macular Hole.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risks that might be associated with recurrent macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) after silicone oil (S.O) removal in myopic patients with open flat macular hole (MH). METHODS: In this retrospective series, we assessed the different factors that might be associated with recurrent MHRD after S.O removal in 48 eyes with open flat MH that underwent S.O removal after successful MHRD repair. We divided the enrolled eyes into 2 groups: group 1 included 38 eyes with flat open MH and flat retina after S.O removal, and group 2 included 10 eyes with flat open MH and recurrent MHRD after S.O removal. RESULTS: Ten of 48 eyes (20.8%) with open flat MH developed recurrent MHRD after S.O removal. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that MH at the apex of PS, MH minimum diameter, hole form factor (HFF), and MH index (MHI) were significant risk factors for recurrent MHRD after S.O removal in myopic patients with open flat MH. CONCLUSIONS: If there is a "flat open" MH that is large, located at the apex of PS, or with an HHF or MHI <0.9-0.5, there is a high chance of recurrent MHRD after S.O removal.

[Removal of higher viscosity oil through a hybrid 2-port 23/25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy]. / Hybrid-2-Port-23/25-G-Pars-plana-Vitrektomie zur Entfernung von Öl höherer Viskosität.

This article presents a new hybrid method of a combined 2­port 23/25G pars plana vitrectomy for removal of silicone oil (5700 centistokes) compared to a 25G vitrectomy. In this hybrid technique the infusion is performed through a 25G cannula and the oil removal through a 23G cannula. The duration of the surgery and the intraocular pressure (IOP) in both groups were compared. The oil removal using the hybrid technique was performed significantly faster with a reduction of the time by 32.2% but there was no difference in the IOP. In conclusion, silicone oil removal through a 25G cannula is generally possible but oil removal with the new hybrid technique is much faster.

The effect of silicone oil presence time on macular and choroidal thickness with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of silicone oil (SiO) on macular thickness (MT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) in patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 70 eyes of 70 patients who received SiO tamponade for the treatment of macula-off RRD were treated with PPV and a 5000-cSt SiO endotamponade followed by subsequent SiO removal. MT and SFCT were measured 1 day before and 3 months after SiO removal using spectral-domain optical tomography (SD-OCT) and enhanced depth imaging optical tomography (EDI-OCT). The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the length of time that the SiO was present: group 1 (3-6 months), group 2 (6-9 months), and group 3 (9-18 months). RESULTS: A total of 70 eyes of 70 patients with a mean age of 57.22±9.83 years (range: 30 years to 75 years) were included in the SiO (5000-cSt) study. SiO was extracted after a mean duration of 8.67±5.33 months (range, 3-18 months) after PPV. In the 1st group, BCVA increased from 1.83±0.32 log MAR before PPV to 0.85±0.41 log MAR at 3 months after silicone removal (P<0.001). In the 2nd group, BCVA increased from 1.76±0.38 log MAR before PPV to 0.86±0.48 log MAR at 3 months after silicone removal (P<0.001). In the 3rd group, BCVA increased from 1.89±0.28 log MAR before PPV to 1.08±0.63 log MAR at 3 months after SiO removal (P=0.001). There was no statistically significant change in MT in the difference values of each group. As the length of SiO presence in the eye increased, significant thinning was observed on measurement of SFCT. Differences in the SFCT values were -14.91µm, -18.76µm, and -51.50µm in groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease in macular and choroidal thicknesses after SiO removal was observed. Presence of SiO endotamponade for 9 months was associated with subfoveal choroidal thinning and decreased final visual acuity in eyes undergoing RRD surgery. SD-OCT and EDI-OCT may be recommended for the treatment and follow-up of patients with complications caused by the use of SiO tamponade.