When some patients come to the hospital because of eye problems, they will be told by the ophthalmologist that they need surgical treatment, and may need to "hit silicone oil" during the operation. Often the first reaction is to frown, doubt, and feel inscrutable. In this regard, the doctor will introduce that the scientific name of silicone oil is polydimethylsiloxane, is colorless, odorless, non-toxic transparent oily liquid, harmless to the human body, its high stability, chemical inert, is widely used in skin care, cosmetic beauty, daily necessities and medical diagnosis and treatment.
In ophthalmology, silicone oil is mainly used for filling vitreous cavity. The vitreous cavity is filled with silicone oil eyeball, called "silicone oil eye". Silicone oil filling is a commonly used method in retinal detachment surgery. For some patients with severe retinal detachment, the combined operation of "vitrectomy + heavy water + silicone oil filling" is usually used to smooth and restore the detached retina.
However, silicone oil should not be permanently filled in the eyes. It is generally recommended to remove it after a period of time, and the specific time is judged according to the actual situation of the patient. In clinical work, after the filling of silicone oil in the eye, the doctor will tell the patient that in general about three to six months, under the condition of good retinal reposition, it is necessary to remove the surgery as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could lead to permanent blindness and a missed opportunity to save vision. Take out not in time emulsified silicone oil and bring about the patient of vision loss, some patients hit silicone oil more than 20 years even, caused secondary glaucoma and big bubble sex keratopathy, as a result of vision loss completely, very regrettable.