Removal of Silicon Oil from the Vitreous Cavity via the Anterior Chamber. Eight Years of the Author’s Experiences

Purpose: To evaluate usefulness and safety of removal of silicone oil from the vitreous cavity via the anterior chamber. Methods: The procedures were performed between 2012 and 2020 in 31 patients who required endotamponade with the use of light silicone oils. In most of the patients, the procedure was combined with cataract removal, secondary lens implantation or transscleral fixation of an artificial lens. A passive bimanual technique was used to replace silicone oil with fluid. Results: The procedure to remove silicon oil via the anterior chamber proceeded without serious intra- and postoperative complications. There were no hypotony observed in first postoperative day. Conclusion: Patients eligible for the procedure are those who have preoperative indications for silicone oil removal and whose removal path via the anterior chamber is not associated with a special need to remove the lens from the eye.