Silicone oil: physical properties and clinical use (a literature review)

Abstract

Introduction. In modern vitreoretinal surgery, silicone oil is used for replacing the vitreous body during vitrectomy. This surgery is performed to treat retinal detachment, proliferative retinopathy, giant retinal tears and severe eye injuries. In this regard, it seems especially relevant to provide a description of the physical characteristics of silicone oils that determine the choice of surgeons.Purpose. To study indications for the use of silicone oil tamponade as well as possible complications associated with its use based on a literature review and own research.Materials and methods. We analyzed literature on PubMed, eLibrary, and Medline over the past 30 years. Overall, 34 sources of literature were reviewed, including results of our own clinical studies.Results. Literature review has shown that silicone oils are very useful as a permanent tamponade. Although gas tamponade can be used for giant retinal tear management, silicone oils are used for minimizing the risk of post-surgical bleeding and reattach detached retinas in case of severe eye injuries. One of the main issues related to the use of silicone oils is the post-surgical increase in IOP. To reduce the risk of such complication, we have proposed methods of infusion and optimal schedule of silicone oil removal.Conclusion. Silicone oil is the optimal choice for treating most retinal diseases and improving their prognosis. An important criterion for choice of silicone oil is the time that is required for tamponade.