Patency of superior ciliary sulcus in aphakic silicone oil-filled eyes: an ultrasound biomicroscopy study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the patency of the superior ciliary sulcus in aphakic silicone oil-filled eyes by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).


METHODS
Prospective interventional series.


METHODS
Twelve eyes of 12 patients were included in this study.


METHODS
Twelve aphakic silicone oil-filled eyes were evaluated using UBM. The UBM examination of the anterior segment was performed using the Humphrey Instruments UBM equipped with a high-frequency (50 MHz), high-resolution (50 microm) transducer. The patients were placed in a semisitting position in which their backs were inclined to a suitable angle (about 50 degrees ). They were also asked to look straight ahead, to bring the superior ciliary sulcus to the highest point of the globe. The probe approached the patients' eyes superiorly at a slight angle (about 10 degrees ). Images of the superior ciliary sulcus were captured and analyzed.


RESULTS
The UBM images demonstrated an intact curved aqueous-silicone oil interface that appeared at some distance from and not filling the ciliary sulcus. A patent superior ciliary sulcus was thus found in all patients, even in those with a widely opened ciliary sulcus.


CONCLUSIONS
The superior ciliary sulcus maintained its patency in aphakic silicone oil-filled eyes. These findings indicate that an iridectomy in a superior position may also be effective, although this has not been tested clinically in this report.
Diagnostic Laser Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, Kasr El Aini Hospital, Cairo University, El-Manial, Cairo, Egypt.
Mahmoud M
MM
Soliman
Tamer A
TA
Macky
D000328:Adult; D001035:Aphakia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D033401:Microscopy, Acoustic; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012827:Silicone Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D012827:Silicone Oils