Silicone oil is often used in retinal surgeries to keep the retina in place while it heals and thus help preserve vision.
However, over time, this oil can break up into small droplets that disperse inside the eye and block the normal drainage of fluids, increasing eye pressure and, in some cases, causing glaucoma.
Specialists explain that new ocular imaging technologies make it possible to detect these changes earlier in order to avoid major complications. Therefore, although the treatment can be key to saving sight, regular medical checkups remain essential.
