Removal of Standard Silicone Oil, Influence of Type of Infusion Cannula

Standard silicone oil being lighter than water can simply be removed by aspiration. The replacing water is usually entering the eye via an end-opening straight cannula. The jet of water directed towards the center of the eye often results in a central water filled cavity surrounded by an outer rim of silicone more or less adherent to the retina. Consequently the complete  removal of oil is sometimes tedious and complicated.

Alternatively an infusion cannula with openings to the side but near the tip dissects the silicone oil bubble from the retina and allows rapid aspiration  of a coherent oil bubble.