1Dr Muhammad Umair, 2Dr Ibtihaj Imran, 3Dr Muhammad Tariq Bangash, 4Javeria Naz, 5Dr Fakhar Hamayun
Comparison of Silicone Oil Versus Gas Tamponade in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment surgery
GlobalHealth & Medicine. 2026; 8(3):396-407. Published: September 24, 2026.
Abstract:
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a sight threatening disease that requires urgent surgical intervention for retinal re-attachment and preservation of vision. Commonly utilized tamponade agents include silicone oil and intraocular gas. The relative anatomical and functional outcomes are of clinical importance. To assess the morphological and functional effects of silicone oil and gas tamponade in patients having surgical treatment for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.A comparison study was conducted at Al-Ehsan Welfare Eye Hospital, Lahore for one year duration, from April 2025 to April 2026. We analyzed a total of 70 eyes that had RRD surgical repair, 35 eyes treated with silicone oil tamponade and 35 eyes treated with gas tamponade. Baseline demographic and clinical parameters, postoperative best- corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anatomical retinal reattachment, recurrent retinal detachment, necessity for repeat surgery and postoperative complications were assessed. Continuous variables are given as mean ± SD and categorical variables as number and percentage. Statistical tests were performed when appropriate. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Primary retinal reattachment was achieved in 32 (91.4%) eyes in silicone oil group and 33 (94.3%) eyes in gas group (P=0.64). Final anatomic success was obtained in 31 (88.6%) and 33 (94.3%) eyes, respectively (P=0.43). The mean postoperative BCVA was substantially better in the gas group than in the silicone oil group (0.43 ± 0.31 vs 0.62 ± 0.39 logMAR; P=0.03 ). Visual improvement was noted in 28 (80.0%) silicone oil treated eyes and 31 (88.6%) gas treated eyes (P=0.31). Postoperative problems occurred in 14 (40.0%) eyes of the silicone oil group and in 7 (20.0%) eyes of the gas group (P=0.07). Elevated intraocular pressure was seen in 20.0% of silicone oil-treated eyes versus 8.6% of gas-treated eyes.High anatomical success rates were achieved in the surgical therapy of RRD with silicone oil and gas tamponade. Use of gas tamponade was significantly superior for postoperative visual acuity. Silicone oil was associated with increased frequency of postoperative problems. This may consequently be a preferred choice in properly selected cases. Silicone oil remains an important option in severe retinal detachments needing continuous tamponade.
Keywords:
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment; silicone oil; gas tamponade; pars plana vitrectomy; retinal reattachment; visual acuity; postoperative complications.
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