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Title

Emulsification-resistant silicone oil and F4H5 to capture oil droplets.

Purpose	Emulsification is a well-known problem that occurs when a silicone oil tamponade is used after vitrectomy. This results in the formation of small oil droplets, which can cause inflammation and elevated intra-ocular pressure. Emulsification occurs less extensive in 5000 cs silicone oil than in 1000 cs, but the former is more difficult to handle and has less tamponading effect on the retina. A new silicone oil has been designed (Siluron 2000) which has in vitro properties to combined the advantages of both silicone oil types. A “cleaning liquid” F4H5 has been proposed to capture oil droplets at the time of removal of the silicone oil.
Methods	A prospective, randomized clinical trial was designed whereby 74 patients undergoing vitrectomy for macular hole are treated either with Siluron 2000 or 5000 silicone oil. After 3 months, the silicone oil is removed. The removed silicone oil is analysed to determine the amount of emulsification. During that surgery, in 50% of the patients in each study arm, a wash of the vitreous cavity with F4H5 is performed. After 6 weeks, a B-scan ultrasound examination is performed with automated counting of remaning oil droplets to determine the effect of this F4H5 wash.
Results	Presently, 43 patients are included in this trial. In 30 of the included patients, the silicone oil was already removed from the eye.
Conclusion	Although this is an ongoing study, an interim analysis of the main study endpoints will be provided.

Author 1