ABSTRACT
Silicone oil is the term used to designate a group of clear inert hydrophobic polymer compounds based on siloxane chemistry of varying viscosities. The use of silicone oil as a vitreous substitute was first described by W. Stone in 1958. In addition to a tamponade of longer duration, silicone oil provides a more complete and consistent fill so that issues of positioning become less critical. Some investigators have postulated that silicone oil may somehow prevent or arrest the progress of rubeosis. Silicone oil concentrates and compartmentalizes clotting factors at the site of bleeding, thus preventing its extension. Interestingly, the 12% incidence of retinal redetachment after silicone oil removal in diabetics is lower than that reported for nondiabetics. Vitreous surgery is commonly complicated by postoperative vitreous hemorrhage. The silicone–fluid exchange continues until all detectable fluid has been removed from the vitreous cavity and subretinal space and the eye is filled with silicone oil.
