A new way of removing silicone oil from the surface of silicone intraocular lenses

Abstract 

· Purpose: This study was performed to ascertain the efficacy of Perfluorhexyl-octan, C₁₄F₁₃H₁₇ (F6H8), in dissolving silicone oil from the surface of silicone intraocular lenses. So far F6H8 is the only solvent of silicone oil that is tolerated by intraocular tissues. · Materials and methods: Intraocular silicone lenses (Domilens) were examined after application of small droplets of silicone oil of two different viscosities (AdatoSIL-OL 1000 and 5000) followed by rinsing with F6H8. To allow distinction between silicone oil and F6H8 the silicone oil was stained. Microscopic examination was carried out under video control. · Results: One hundred microliters of AdatoSIL-OL 1000 could be easily removed with about 800 µl of F6H8; 50 µl of AdatoSIL-OL 5000 also disappeared after 800 µl of F6H8. A larger drop of the latter oil could not be removed even after application of 2 ml of F6H8. · Conclusion: Silicone oil 1000 can be easily dissolved by F6H8, whereas silicone oil 5000 is more difficult to remove because of its higher viscosity.