Background:

Pupillary block induced by silicon oil in vitrectomized patients is a common condition usually treated with Nd-YAG laser iridotomy or with surgical removal of silicon oil.

Case report:

A case of silicone oil pupillary block glaucoma successfully treated with a 30 G needle transfixion technique is described. We performed a non-complicated vitrectomy surgery for retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy that included lensectomy, inferior peripheral iridectomy, and silicone oil injection. After surgery, the iridectomy became occluded with fibrous tissue and the intraocular pressure raised to 50 mmHg. After an initial Nd-YAG iridotomy was unsuccessful, we passed a 30 Ga needle through the sclerocorneal limbus and cut the fibrous tissue that blocked the iridectomy. This procedure restored the aqueous humor flow through the iridectomy, pushed back the silicone oil bubble into the vitreous cavity and lowered the intraocular pressure to normal levels.

Conclusions:

30 Ga needle transfixion technique could be an effective, low cost, simple alternative for the treatment of silicone oil pupillary block in aphakic patients.