Foreign body giant cell reaction to silicone oil presenting as a salmon-patch conjunctival lesion

PURPOSE: To describe a case of foreign body giant cell reaction to silicone oil that presented as a salmon-patch conjunctival lesion. OBSERVATIONS: An elderly female with prior retinal surgery and oil tamponade was referred for a salmon-patch lesion in the conjunctiva. Biopsy revealed multiple vacuolations and foreign body giant cells in the substantia propria, consistent with a foreign body reaction to silicone oil. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: Silicone oil can elicit an inflammatory reaction in the conjunctiva that could mimic a neoplasm. Excessive leakage of oil into the subconjunctival space should be avoided to prevent this complication.