Leaving oil in eye after detached retina surgery

I've had 4 eye surgeries for a detached retina in the last 1-1/2 years and can finally see the first E on the chart.  They are talking about taking the oil out, but I'm wondering if there would be a problem leaving it in.  They took my lense out the last surgery and I'm considering using a contact for vision in that eye and after all the possibilities told about when taking the oil out, I'm wondering if it would be ok to leave in?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear hl3smith,

I would speak with your retinal specialists about the benefits and risks of taking out the silicone oil versus leaving it in.  As you aware, you have had some serious issues with your eye. Becoming knowledgeable will enable you to participate in the decision.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[berrywoo]

The risk of being aphakic and leaving the silicone oil in is that the oil can start to migrate to the front of the eye and cause corneal damage. If no iridectomy was done, which is highly unlikely, than there's the risk of pupillary block gluacoma. Also, you're vision will not be as good with the oil in the eye as without the oil.

You've been informed of the risks of removing the oil, one of which is re-detachment of the retina. This maybe what is causing you the most concern, right?

I'd say get another opinion, and see if it really is worth taking the oil out.

Generally, if the oil has been in for 3-6 months and there is no recurrent scar tissue and all areas of traction have been successfully relieved, than the risks of removal would be worth it. And I'm guessing this is what your surgeon thinks.

The decision is yours, but whatever you choose, remember that nothing is ever risk free.

Good luck.

[redhedd]

Years ago I had a retina dtachment. No effort has been made to remove the oil in my eye b/c I wasn't able to regain vision. I was kid when all this happened. No one told me about the possibility of getting band keratopathy with the oil in. I now have keratopahy on my cornea and it can at times be painful. Something to think about.