Intraocular formation of heavy oil in the subretinal space.
BACKGROUND
Heavy oil formation was found in the subretinal space in three patients with repeated vitreoretinal surgery.


METHODS
These patients had received perfluorocarbon liquid (PFL) and silicone oil injection for retinal detachment in a previous surgery.


METHODS
A transparent "heavy density" oil bubble was found in the subretinal space in these patients. The heavy oil bubble was eventually removed by manual aspiration with a blunt-tipped 21-gauge needle. The retinas were reattached in all three cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Silicone oil may mix with incompletely removed PFL to form heavy oil. During reoperation for persistent retinal detachment, these substances should be specifically sought and removed.
Huang
Jehn-Yu
JY
Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan.
Yang
Chung-May
CM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D004655:Emulsions; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012086:Reoperation; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000601:surgery*; D012827:Silicone Oils / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D014821:Vitrectomy; D018630:Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative / Q000601:surgery*
D004655:Emulsions; D005466:Fluorocarbons; D012827:Silicone Oils; C008805:perfluorodecalin