Silicone Oil: Different Physical Proprieties and Clinical Applications

Abstract

Silicone oils are important tools in vitreoretinal surgery because they have the ability to displace aqueous humor from the retinal surface, maintaining the adhesion between retina and retinal pigment epithelium. To understand this capability, it is important to know the silicone oil characteristics. Herein, we report first on the main chemical-physical proprieties and then we review the clinical applications of the current silicone oil which is lighter than water with particular reference to their indications with small gauge vitrectomy. Finally, we describe the surgical techniques to inject and remove this type of silicone oil. In the summary of this paper, we explain why silicone oils are today increasingly used and why their introduction has improved the prognosis of several retinal diseases. In fact, having different types of silicone oils allows us to choose the appropriate endotamponade for every single case.

Transparent antifouling material for improved operative field visibility in endoscopy

“…We tested two classes of commercially available lubricants: silicone oils (Momentive or Gelest polydimethylsiloxanes) and perfluorinated fluids [perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene, or Vitreon, and perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs): DuPont Krytox series]. These choices were dictated by the physical properties of these liquids (low surface energies and broad range of viscosities and volatilities), their chemical inertness, and prior US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved applications of some of them in clinical settings, such as ophthalmic surgeries (32). The silicone oils of different viscosities (10,350, and 500 cSt) showed stable performance and maintained a remarkably clear field of view after multiple dips of the endoscopes in fresh porcine blood ( Fig.…”

<i>In Vivo</i> Emulsification Analysis of 1000 cs and 5000 cs Silicone Oil after Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Vitrectomy Surgery

“…This condition will cause the silicone oil absorb more surfactants that lead the damage of silicon oil structure [12]. Examination Silicone oil is widely used in surgery are trimethyl siloxy-terminated vitreoretinal SiO, poly-trifluoro propyl-methylsiloxane (FsiO) and the most rarely used polyphenylmethylsiloxane [2]. In this study, we used only one type of silicone oil.…”

Increasing Silicone Oil Viscosity Increases Resistance to Volume Displacement in an in vitro Retinal Detachment Model

“…Several studies have investigated the mechanism of action of silicone oil tamponade [1-3]. Based on published articles and textbooks, four physical parameters influencing this function have been widely accepted.…”

“…The first is specific gravity , which explains why an intraocular tamponade agent sinks or floats in aqueous humor. As the specific gravity of silicone oil is slightly lower than that of vitreous (0.97 vs. 1.00), it floats in the vitreous cavity [3]. The second parameter is buoyancy .…”

“…Regarding the vitreous cavity, the result is the force with which the bubble presses against the superior retina. For silicone oil, this force is relatively small, as the specific gravity is very close to that of aqueous or vitreous fluid [3]. The third parameter is interfacial tension .…”