Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Changes after Intraocular Silicone Oil Tamponade in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Abstract: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a serious and emergency condition that
may cause visual disturbance. Treatment includes pars plana vitrectomy with a tamponade such
as intraocular gas or silicone oil (SO). In many countries, silicone oil is still favorable compared to
intraocular gases as tamponade for reattachment of retinal detachment surgery. The application
provides a higher anatomical success rate, especially in cases of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)
that were previously considered untreatable. Objective assessment of the retinal nerve fiber layer
(RNFL) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the eye with silicone oil tamponade is a
challenge because of the limitations and difficulties in taking images. This study aims to assess the
RNFL thickness changes in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients using SO tamponade and
its subsequent removal conducted on a total of 35 post-operative RRD patients. Central macular
and RNFL thickness, as well as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), were recorded at the time of
tamponade and after the removal of the SO at 1, 4, and 8 weeks, respectively. The results showed that
the changes in RNFL thickness significantly decreased in the group of ≤6 months, especially in the
superior and temporal quadrants, and BCVA increased after SO removal (p < 0.05). Central macular
thickness was significant (p < 0.001) at the end of the visit. Improved visual acuity is associated with
decreased RNFL and central macular thickness after SO removal.