Effect of lens status on intraocular pressure in siliconized eyes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of lens status on intraocular pressure (IOP) in siliconized eyes and also on the emulsification of silicone oil. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 31 eyes of 31 patients with retinal detachment were operated on with pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection: 16 phakic (Group A) and 15 pseudophakic (Group B). During the 6-month follow-up period, IOP was measured: 1 day postoperative, then at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 6 months postoperative. At the end of the follow-up period, gonioscopy was carried out to check emulsified silicone at the anterior chamber angle and also the presence of emulsified silicone on the back of the cornea when the patient was lying down. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between both groups until the first week (P value = 0.15). Starting from the first month, the difference was statistically significant, with mean IOPs in Groups A and B of 14.9 mmHg and 18.2 mmHg, respectively, up to the sixth month (P value = 0.002), with a mean IOP in Groups A and B of 14.4 mmHg and 19.4 mmHg, respectively. Emulsified silicone was clinically stated in twelve cases (80%) in Group B and in three cases (19%) in Group A. CONCLUSION: There is a higher incidence of increased IOP and emulsification of silicone oil in pseudophakic eyes than in phakic eyes.