Modelling of silicone oil emulsification in vitro (review)

Silicone tamponade is one of the prevailing methods used in the surgical treatment of retinal detachments. However, one of the significant disadvantages of using silicones is their emulsification and the risk of developing associated ophthalmic conditions. In this regard, the question of ways to prevent silicone emulsification remains relevant. Emulsification does not occur in all cases of tamponade, and this indicates that there are factors that could interfere with the development of this process. It is known that emulsification of silicone oil has a multifactorial etiology, and in vitro experimental models are being developed to study these mechanisms in more detail. It is the variety of factors that determine the tendency to emulsify ophthalmic silicone that formed the basis for the creation of these models. Such factors include physicochemical and mechanical effects, saccadic eye movements, adhesion of silicone oil to eye tissues, absorption of biological substances from intraocular fluids and tissues. The development of a variety of in vitro models allows, on the one hand, to obtain new fundamental knowledge, while, on the other hand, it allows us to solve practical issues related to the prevention of silicone emulsification and may provide insight into future strategies for improved intraocular tamponade.