Silicone oil concentrates fibrogenic growth factors in the retro-oil fluid

The incidence of unexplained visual loss following removal of silicone oil

“…Several hypotheses have been proposed including sudden changes in potassium concentration in retro-oil fluid that may lead to macular dysfunction due to photoreceptor apoptosis on oil removal, 18,20 photo-toxicity at the time of silicone oil removal, 15,21,22 and fibrogenic growth factor disturbances. 23 Of the 14 patients who had at least two SL reduction in visual acuity in our study this appeared to happen at the time of oil removal. None of our patients was noted to have central scotomas prior to oil removal.…”

Immunopathology of intraocular silicone oil: retina and epiretinal membranes

“…This also suggests that emulsified oil may be incorporated into ERMs during their formation (and oil may stimulate membrane formation). 33 The lack of oil infiltration to intact retina, even after long-term tamponade, supports the view that retinal toxicity with modern silicone oils is limited, or that if there is toxicity then this is indirect.…”

Thinning of Inner Retinal Layers after Vitrectomy with Silicone Oil versus Gas Endotamponade in Eyes with Macula-Off Retinal Detachment

“…Winter et al [30] suspected a failure of Muller cells to siphon potassium out of the retina. Asaria et al [31] suggested that the toxic effect of SiO may be due to accumulation of proinflammatory cytokines in the retro-SiO fluid. Also, microglia within the retina could be activated by SiO, leading to inflammatory processes with consecutive cell death [14] .…”