Purpose: To assess the histopathological findings of conjunctival specimens from patients submitted to vitreoretinal surgery with intraocular silicone oil injection.
Methods: Prospective analyses of 30 eyes of 30 patients were evaluated. Before the patients underwent removal of the intraocular silicone oil, conjunctival excision was performed and submitted to histopathologic examination.
Results: The presence of empty spaces corresponding to silicone oil location was positive in 10 (33%) specimens. The presence of inflammatory cells, vascular congestion, leukostasis, lymphocyte and monocyte infiltrates were positive in 27 (90%) specimens. The presence of silicone oil was positive in 10 (33%) specimens. Therefore, in those patients who undergo vitreoretinal surgery, silicone oil may be present in the conjunctiva or subconjunctival space, even if biomicroscopic examination seems to be normal. According to our knowledge, this is the first study with the purpose to assess the histopathological findings of conjunctival specimens from patients submitted to vitreoretinal surgery with intraocular silicone oil injection.
Conclusion: Ophthalmologists should be aware of this possible complication after intraocular use of silicone oil after vitreoretinal surgery.