Silicone oil removal. I. The effect on the complications of silicone oil.

The results of a retrospective study of the effects of silicone oil removal from 85 eyes in 85 patients are reported. Pars plana vitrectomy and fluid/silicone oil exchange had been undertaken for retinal detachments associated with giant retinal tears or with proliferative vitreoretinopathy in all cases. Clinically significant cataract developed in 60% of lenses that were clear at the time of oil removal, and 85% of pre-existing lens opacities...