Silicone oil migration into the orbit

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case in of intravitreal silicone oil migration into the inferior orbit. Silicone oil tamponade is commonly used in retinal detachment repair and extrusion into the orbital tissues is very rare. Methods: A 70-year-old male with a remote history of repair of a right ruptured globe and retinal detachment surgery presented with progressive right lower eyelid edema. There was a known history of intravitreal silicone oil instillation and removal. An elective right inferior orbitotomy with excisional biopsy was performed. Results: Histopathology confirmed the presence of silicone oil intermixed with necrotic fat. The patient had excellent cosmetic and functional outcome. Conclusion: The presence of silicone oil within the orbital fat may be a result of increased intraocular pressure and extrusion through presumably water-tight sclerotomy sites.