Silicone oil as a corneal lubricant to reduce corneal edema and improve visualization during vitrectomy

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of silicone oil (SO) as a corneal lubricant to improve visualization during vitrectomy. Design: A retrospective, interventional, observational study. Methods: Patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery were divided into two groups. Group 1 was operated on with initial SO as a corneal lubricant. Group 2 was operated on with initial lactated ringer’s solution(LRS) and then replaced with SO as required. Fundusclarity was scored during the surgery. Fluorescein staining was performed to determine the damage to corneal epithelium. Results: 114 eyes of 114 patients were included. Single SO use maintained a clear cornea and provided excellent visualization of surgical image. In group 1, the fundus clarity was grade 3 in 41/45 eyes and grade 2 in 4/45 eyes. In group 2, corneal edema frequently occurred after initial LRS use. The fundus clarity was grade 3 in 19/69 eyes, 2 in 37/69 eyes and 1 in 13/69 eyes. This difference between two groups was statistically significant. SO was applied in 29 eyes of initial LRS use with subsequent corneal edema, which eliminated the corneal edema in 26 eyes. Corneal fluorescein staining score in group 1 was 0 in 28 eyes, 1 in 11 eyes and 2 in 6 eyes, and 40, 20 and 9, respectively, in group 2. This difference between two groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The use of SO as a corneal lubricant is effective and safe for preserving and improving corneal clarity and providing clear surgical field during vitrectomy.