forgot to add, if the patient with ROP is an infant, then the treatment for ROP depends on it's category/stage and on the presence or absence of disease. These treatments while not successful for all, have certainly helped many infants to preserve sight, especially considering that in the past many more infants have been blinded by ROP. There are no "new" treatments, but the standard RD treatments: cryotherapy and/or laser, and/or vitrectomy. In the future maybe better treatments will be available.
yes, silicone oil can be removed. In fact it is often preferable to have it removed. However, removal should be discussed with your doctor.
As an adult with regressed ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) there is nothing in the form of treatment, only lifelong care under a reputable ophthalmologist.
If you've got a silicone oil retained eye due to RD (retinal detachment), which those with ROP are at a greater risk of developing, than you should be very carefully monitored by your retinal surgeon. Only he/she can tell you when the retina is stable and it is safe to remove the oil, although the general rule for oil removal in complex RD cases is between 3-6 months. Removing the oil will result in better vision only if your retina remains attached.
Again, ROP is a lifelong condition, even if as a baby it regressed and required no surgical intervention, the odds of developing serious eye problems are increased for those with ROP.
Good Luck.
Dear peggysue50,
Silicone oil is sometime removed from the eye. Speak with your retinalMD to determine whether this is indicated or if any other treatments might be helpful.
Dr. Feldman
Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California