Heavy silicone oil (Densiron-68) for the treatment of persistent macular holes

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of Densiron-68 as intraocular endotamponade for the treatment of persisting macular holes (persistent MHs). Methods: Retrospective interventional case study on 23 consecutive eyes showing persistent MHs after unsuccessful primary surgery that underwent retreatment with pars plana vitrectomy and Densiron-68 filling. The main outcome measures were: anatomic closure evaluated with optical coherence tomography (OCT), final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and postoperative complications. Results: A total of 23 patients (52-88 years) were studied. Pre-operative OCT showed full-thickness MH (mean size 560 μm) in all patients. Densiron-68 was left in situ for 1.5-3 months. Final follow-up time was 12 months after the last surgery. Postoperative OCT showed the complete closure of the PMH in 20 of 23 eyes. Pre-operative BCVA ranged from 20/200 to 20/630 (1.50-1.00 logMAR, mean 1.14). Final postoperative BCVA ranged from 20/30 to 20/400 (0.18-1.30 logMAR, mean. 0.61). Nineteen eyes (82%) showed a significant increase in visual acuity by at least three lines: 11 (47%) patients gained at least four lines. Three eyes remained unchanged (13%). One case deteriorated by two lines (4%). No major complications were recorded. Conclusions: Retreatment with Densiron-68 filling was safe and achieved encouraging anatomic and functional results. © Springer-Verlag 2009.