Patency of superior ciliary sulcus in aphakic silicone oil-filled eyes: an ultrasound biomicroscopy study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the patency of the superior ciliary sulcus in aphakic silicone oil-filled eyes by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Design: Prospective interventional series. Participants: Twelve eyes of 12 patients were included in this study. Methods: Twelve aphakic silicone oil-filled eyes were evaluated using UBM. The UBM examination of the anterior segment was performed using the Humphrey Instruments UBM equipped with a high-frequency (50 MHz), high-resolution (50 mm) transducer. The patients were placed in a semisitting position in which their backs were inclined to a suitable angle (about 50°). They were also asked to look straight ahead, to bring the superior ciliary sulcus to the highest point of the globe. The probe approached the patients' eyes superiorly at a slight angle (about 10°). Images of the superior ciliary sulcus were captured and analyzed. Results: The UBM images demonstrated an intact curved aqueous-silicone oil interface that appeared at some distance from and not filling the ciliary sulcus. A patent superior ciliary sulcus was thus found in all patients, even in those with a widely opened ciliary sulcus. Conclusions: The superior ciliary sulcus maintained its patency in aphakic silicone oil-filled eyes. These findings indicate that an iridectomy in a superior position may also be effective, although this has not been tested clinically in this report.