SOR Surgery (Silicone Oil Removal)

The Final Step Toward Restoring Your Natural Vision

Silicone oil plays a vital role in retinal surgery — holding the retina firmly in place while it heals after a complex procedure. But once healing is complete, the oil must be carefully removed. SOR Surgery is that final important step — taking the oil out so your eye can return to its natural state and your vision can fully recover.

Why Was Silicone Oil Placed in Your Eye?

During surgery for severe retinal detachment or advanced diabetic eye disease, silicone oil is injected into the vitreous cavity of the eye. It presses gently against the retina from the inside, holding it flat against the back wall of the eye while healing takes place over several weeks or months. Once the retina has healed securely, the oil has done its job and needs to come out.

Why It Needs to Be Removed

• It can cause cataract to develop in the natural lens over time
• It may raise the pressure inside the eye, increasing the risk of glaucoma
• Long-term, it can break into tiny droplets that migrate and damage eye structures
• It may move forward and cause damage to the cornea
• Removal allows the eye to function fully and naturally again

What Happens During the Procedure?

Step 1 — Confirming Readiness

Before surgery, your specialist carefully examines the eye to confirm the retina is fully stable and healed, and that the timing is right for oil removal.

Step 2 — Anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia completely numbs the eye. The procedure is painless throughout and most patients find it straightforward and well-tolerated.

Step 3 — Removing the Oil

Using a fine vitrectomy system, the silicone oil is carefully drawn out of the vitreous cavity in a controlled and thorough manner.

Step 4 — Finishing

The eye is filled with a balanced saline solution and the small incisions are sealed. The whole procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.

After Surgery

Vision may feel slightly different at first as the eye adjusts — this is completely normal and settles gradually. Most patients notice a steady improvement in clarity over the following weeks. Medicated drops are prescribed and strenuous activity should be avoided during recovery. Follow-up visits confirm the retina remains stable throughout.

Why Patients Trust RGC Eye Hospital

• Vitreoretinal specialists who understand the full context of your original surgery
• Advanced vitrectomy systems including the Alcon Constellation Vision System
• Careful timing — we remove the oil only when your eye is truly ready
• Close follow-up to make sure your vision continues to improve as expected