Anatomical and Functional Outcomes Following Silicone Oil Removal: A Retrospective Analysis

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Published Jun 21, 2026
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v104i06.6352
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Vol. 104 No. 06 (2026): Tunis Med Jun 2026

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Hassan Moutei
Department of Ophthalmology, postal code, Hassan II University Hospital of Fez, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry of Fez, postal code 30000,University of Sidi Mohamed Benabdellah, Fez, Morocco.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8293-950X
Ahmed Bennis
Department of Ophthalmology, postal code, Hassan II University Hospital of Fez, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry of Fez, postal code 30000,University of Sidi Mohamed Benabdellah, Fez, Morocco.
Fouad Chraibi
Department of Ophthalmology, postal code, Hassan II University Hospital of Fez, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry of Fez, postal code 30000,University of Sidi Mohamed Benabdellah, Fez, Morocco.
Meriem Abdellaoui
Department of Ophthalmology, postal code, Hassan II University Hospital of Fez, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry of Fez, postal code 30000,University of Sidi Mohamed Benabdellah, Fez, Morocco.
Idriss Benatiya
Department of Ophthalmology, postal code, Hassan II University Hospital of Fez, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry of Fez, postal code 30000,University of Sidi Mohamed Benabdellah, Fez, Morocco.

Abstract

Introduction: Silicone oil (SO) tamponade is widely employed in the management of complex retinal detachments. Despite its advantages, SO
requires subsequent removal, which carries a risk of complications and variable visual recovery.
Aim: To evaluate anatomical and functional outcomes, as well as postoperative complications, following SO removal in patients with complex retinal detachments.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent SO removal between January 2020 and June 2025 at a tertiary ophthalmic care center. Inclusion criteria comprised adults with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, tractional retinal detachment, or trauma-
related detachment, with ≥6 months of postoperative follow-up. Primary outcomes were anatomical reattachment and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement. Secondary outcomes included rates of recurrent detachment, hypotony, ocular hypertension, cataract progression, and corneal complications.
Results: Ninety-eight eyes of 94 patients were analyzed. The mean SO tamponade duration was 11.56 ± 4.8 months. Final anatomical success was achieved in 88.8% of eyes. Functional success (BCVA ≥ 20/200 at 6 months) was observed in 53.1% of cases. Recurrent retinal detachment
occurred in 11.2% of eyes. Hypotony developed in 17.3%, ocular hypertension in 8.2%, and corneal complications in 12.2%. Cataract extraction was combined with SO removal in 83.9% of phakic eyes. Significant BCVA improvement was noted across all major etiological subgroups (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: SO removal yields high anatomical reattachment rates but variable functional recovery. Complication risks remain clinically relevant,
underscoring the importance of individualized timing and surgical planning to optimize long-term visual and anatomical outcomes.

Keywords:

Silicone oil removal, Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, Tractional retinal detachment, Vitrectomy Retinal reattachment, Postoperative complication

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