High-Density Silicone Oil Densiron-68 as an Intraocular Tamponade for Primary Inferior Retinal Detachments

In Brief Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the heavy silicone oil Densiron-68 as an internal retinal tamponade after vitrectomy in patients with primary inferior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods: A retrospective consecutive case series involving inferior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in 42 patients recruited between 2007 and 2010 was completed. All patients underwent primary vitrectomy followed by injection of Densiron-68. Each patient was then examined at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after its removal. Included patients had a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with at least 1 retinal break between 4 and 8 clock hours and completed 6 months of follow-up after removal of Densiron-68. Assessments for reattachment of the retina, visual acuity, and any complications from the surgery were recorded. Results: Thirty-nine of 42 patients completed all follow-up visits. Anatomical success was achieved in 85% (33 of 39) of cases with one procedure, increasing to 95% (37 of 39) with additional surgery. The mean visual acuity improved from mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution of 1.29 ± 0.61 preoperatively to 0.87 ± 0.67 postoperatively. The most common complications were cataracts (83%, 10 of 12), posterior capsular opacification (22%, 6 of 27), and ocular hypertension (15%, 6 of 39). Conclusion: High anatomical success rates can be achieved with primary vitrectomy for inferior rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with the use of Densiron-68. Successful surgical repair of retinal detachments from inferior breaks with primary pars plana vitrectomy using Densiron as the endotamponade agent can be achieved. High anatomical success rates, acceptable visual function, and manageable complications were the outcomes observed in this study.