The issue of whether silicone oil has a toxic effect on the retina is still being debated. In order to verify possible retinotoxic effects, the authors studied the variations of retinal function by means of computerized perimetry on patients who had undergone a vitreoretinal operation with injection of silicone oil in the vitreous cavity. Silicone oil remained in the eyes for a period of 120 days +/- 15.
Patients and methods: 14 patients under treatment for vitreoretinal pathologies sparing the macula underwent five examinations (Macular Threshold Test of the Humphrey Field analyzer): two examination during the period silicone oil was in the vitreous cavity (30 days after injection and 10 days before removal) and three examinations after its removal (at 30, 90, and 180 days).
Results: When the paired t-test and ANOVA test were applied to our results, there were no significant differences in the light-difference sensitivity.
Conclusions: These data do not indicate that silicone oil a retinotoxic effect (revealed by means of computerized perimetry) when it is removed within 4 months.