Silicone oil is any liquid polymerized siloxane with organic side chains. These polymers are of commercial interest because of their relatively high thermal stability and their lubricating properties. Combined with vitreoretinal surgery, silicone oil injection has become a standard technique and improves the prognosis of complex retinal detachment. Silicone oil is being used with increased frequency for retinal tamponade during vitreous surgery for complicated retinal detachments. To avoid long-term complications due to the presence of silicone oil inside the eye, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and keratopathy, its removal is usually necessary.
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