AIM: To investigate the safety and efficacy after removal of silicone oil, and to analyze risk factors for silicone oil emulsification.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 63 cases(63 eyes)underwent silicone oil removal in this hospital between November in 2012 and April in 2013. Intraocular pressure(IOP)was observed 1d before surgery, 1, 2, 3d; 1mo after surgery; vision was analyzed 1d before surgery and 1mo after surgery; clinical data of patients were analyzed and risk factors for silicone oil emulsification were explored.

RESULTS: After silicone oil removal in 63 eyes, retinal anatomic reduction was in 57 eyes(90%). The difference between preoperative and postoperative IOP at each time point had statistical significance(P<0.05), and postoperative IOP was lower than preoperative IOP. Compared with preoperative IOP, best-corrected visual acuity at one postoperative month was improved in 37 eyes(59%)(P=0.002), unchanged in 18 eyes(29%), and decreased in 8 eyes(13%). Silicone oil emulsion 23 eyes(37%), and risk factors associated with silicone oil emulsion was elevation of low density lipoprotein(LDL)(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The rate of retinal anatomic reduction is satisfactory after silicone oil removal. IOP and visual acuity were improved significantly after surgery. Control of cholesterol levels may slow down the process of silicone oil emulsion.