Intraretinal Migration of Emulsified Silicone Oil: Association With Cystoid Macular Edema and Surgical Treatment

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to report the detailed stages of intraretinal silicone oil infiltration, and to describe a new surgical treatment for this condition. Methods: An observational case series is presented. Results: We report 2 patients who had undergone repair of complex diabetic retinal detachment and subsequently developed intraretinal migration of emulsified silicone oil, cystoid macular edema (CME), and lamellar macular hole (LMH). Surgical removal of the incarcerated oil bubbles rapidly restored foveal anatomy in both cases. Possible risk factors for intraretinal oil migration are discussed. Conclusions: Emulsified silicone oil droplets can penetrate the retina, resulting in CME and LMH. While severe CME in this setting is usually recalcitrant to pharmacotherapy, vitrectomy with expression of oil droplets may result in rapid and longstanding resolution.