Silicone Oil Removal from Aphakic Eyes Using a Side Irrigating Cannula

In an interventional case series, 11 aphakic eyes of 11 patients with previous vitrectomyand silicone oil tamponade underwent passive silicone oil removal under topical anesthesiathrough a single clear cornea incision with use of a side irrigating phacoemulsificationirrigation cannula without performing a sclerotomy. All procedures weresimple, short and uncomplicated. The only observed complication was minimallocalized corneal edema the day after the procedure, which resolved within 1-2 days.Use of a side irrigating cannula permits safe and simple removal of silicone oil undertopical anesthesia through a single clear cornea incision without need for sclerotomy.