Increasing Silicone Oil Viscosity Increases Resistance to Volume Displacement in an in vitro Retinal Detachment Model

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether higher-viscosity silicone oils offer greater resistance to volume displacement in an in vitro eye model of retinal detachment and could subsequently be expected to generate stronger retinal tamponades in cases of recurrent or complex retinal detachments. Methods: We used an eye model that included a membrane representing the retina. Silicone oils with different viscosities were injected, and oil displacement and resistance were measured. Results: Membrane movement and volume changes in an eye model were proportional to the viscosity of the oil: the lower the viscosity, the faster volume changes and displacement occurred. Conclusions: Our results show that the volume change rate has a linear relationship with oil viscosity. Our findings suggest that in this eye model, silicone oil tamponades the retina against the retinal pigment epithelium mainly through volume displacement and that silicone oil viscosity may play an important role in preventing retinal displacement and in providing tamponade.