Subconjunctival cysts following silicone oil injection: a clinicopathological study of five cases.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To study the occurrence, risk factors and management of subconjunctival cysts formed following the use of intraocular silicone oil as a tamponade. METHODS: We analyzed 5 cases of single and multioculated subconjunctival oil cysts between 1986 and 1996. RESULTS: Cysts were observed 15 days to 4 months following silicone oil injection. Clinically they showed minimal inflammatory signs but histopathology of removed cysts showed emulsified silicone oil globules with chronic inflammatory cellular infiltration. CONCLUSION: Though silicone oil is considered to be nontoxic, it can cause chronic inflammation when spilled into the subconjunctival space.