Subconjunctival silicone oil complicating strabismus surgery

Purpose: To report a case of an otherwise simple strabismus surgery that became complex due to the presence of extensive subconjunctival silicone oil. Methods: A 15-year-old boy underwent strabismus surgery for sensory exotropia. He had undergone two prior vitreoretinal surgeries for traumatic endophthalmitis and retinal detachment, respectively. The second procedure involved injection of silicone oil as an endotamponade. During the strabismus surgery, subconjunctival nodules filled with silicone oil were noted. This made the surgery difficult due to episcleral fibrosis. The multiple silicone oil cysts were removed by rupturing or resecting them along with the tenon’s fascia. The extraocular muscles were meticulously isolated and operated using adjustable suture technique. Results: Following surgery, the strabismus was corrected satisfactorily and the patient was relieved of his ocular discomfort and congestion. Conclusions: Subconjunctival leakage of silicone oil can lead to capacious inflammation and complicate strabismus surgery manifold.