Purpose: To describe two surgical techniques for rescuing a retained heavy silicone oil bubble in the posterior pole: 1) light pipe method and 2) perfluorocarbon liquid method.
Methods: The surgical techniques are described in detail, along with an illustrative video for each.
Results: A short 25-gauge metallic cannula and active suction pump are used for standard heavy silicone oil removal. Both surgical approaches are practical and effective options to complete the removal of heavy silicone oil when a bubble sinks to the posterior pole.
Conclusion: Both the light pipe and perfluorocarbon methods are suitable to remove retained heavy silicone oil and thus avoid the need for further incisions and the risks associated with the use of larger gauge instrumentation.