Comparison of outcomes for traumatic retinal detachment surgery using 1000- or 5000-centistoke silicone oil

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and complications associated with higher viscosity (5000-centistoke) versus lower viscosity (1000-centistoke) silicone oil in traumatic retinal detachment surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy using 1000- or 5000-centistoke silicone oil to treat retinal detachment associated with traumatic globe injury were retrospectively analysed. Anatomical and visual outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Forty-four eyes of 44 patients were included in the study, which included 22 eyes in each group. Patients were significantly younger in the 5000-centistoke group compared to the 1000-centistoke group (median: 22 vs. 54 years old, respectively, p < 0.001) and open trauma was more common (77% vs. 36%, respectively, p = 0.006). Anatomical success was similar in both groups (73% and 77%, 5000- and 1000-centistoke groups, respectively; p = 0.73). Although ambulatory vision (>5/200) at the final follow-up visit was more common in the 1000-centistoke group compared to the 5000-centistoke group (55% vs. 9%, respectively, p < 0.001), there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to change in visual acuity postoperatively compared with preoperatively. CONCLUSION: Surgeons prefer 5000-centistoke silicone oil for use in more complicated cases. Anatomical outcomes were similar using 1000- and 5000-centistoke silicone oil.