Incidence and Risk Factors of Ocular Hypertension Following Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Silicone Oil Injection

Purpose: To evaluate the risk factors for elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil injection (SOI).

Procedures: This prospective interventional study included 254 consecutive eyes receiving PPV with SOI.

Results: Elevated IOP developed in 48% of the eyes postoperatively. The onset of IOP elevation was early (≤1 week) in 61.5% of the eyes, intermediate (1-6 weeks) in 28.7%, and late (> 6 weeks) in 9.8%. The incidence of IOP elevation was higher with primary uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment than with tractional detachment (p = 0.01). Pseudophakia, high myopia, and high preoperative IOP were found to have higher incidences of ocular hypertension, whereas diabetic patients had a lower incidence.

Conclusion: IOP elevation is a common complication following silicone oil (SO) tamponade. Risk factors for ocular hypertension development are pseudophakia, high myopia, high preoperative IOP, and low-viscosity SO.