Sudden visual loss after removal of silicone oil.
OBJECTIVE
Removal of silicone oil after vitreoretinal surgery reduces potential complications of glaucoma and cataract and improves visual function in 30% of patients. We report the clinical findings of a series of patients who experienced unexpected and permanent visual loss after removal of silicone oil.


METHODS
Seven patients with visual loss after removal of silicon oil were investigated with best-corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA) assessment, fundus biomicroscopy, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and electrophysiologic examination.


RESULTS
Six men and one woman (average age, 42.8 years.) presented with profound BCVA loss, averaging 4.7 Snellen lines (SD 1.4), after silicon oil removal. No other complications associated with oil removal were noted. The retina remained attached in all cases, no patient developed cystoid macular edema or epiretinal membrane, and optical coherence tomographic and fluorescein angiographic findings remained normal. Electrodiagnostic testing showed a range of abnormalities, with the majority of patients showing severe macular dysfunction.


CONCLUSIONS
We describe a new phenomenon of unexpected visual loss after oil removal in patients with good visual potential. The pathogenesis remains obscure.
Newsom
Richard S B
RS
Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England.
Johnston
Robert
R
Sullivan
Paul M
PM
Aylward
G Bill
GB
Holder
Graham E
GE
Gregor
Zdenek J
ZJ
D000328:Adult; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004594:Electrophysiology; D004596:Electroretinography; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000601:surgery; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012827:Silicone Oils; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000209:etiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D058609:Visual Field Tests
D012827:Silicone Oils