Heavy Silicone Oil Eye Medicine: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Heavy Silicone Oil is an intraocular oil used in eye surgery to treat complex retinal detachments and other severe retinal conditions.

Drug class	Tamponade
Type	Single
Forms	Intraocular Oil
Common strength	Varies
Common Indian brands	Densiron 68, Oxane HD
Prescription status	Prescription (hospital use)

What Heavy Silicone Oil is used for

Heavy Silicone Oil is a specialised medicine used by ophthalmologists at Pristine Eye Hospitals to treat serious conditions affecting the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. It acts as an internal support, helping the retina to stay in its proper position.

Specifically, it is used for:

Complex/inferior retinal detachment: This is a condition where the retina separates from its normal position, often in the lower part of the eye, leading to blurred vision or vision loss. Heavy Silicone Oil helps to hold the retina in place while it heals.
PVR (Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy): This is a severe complication of retinal detachment where scar tissue forms on the retina, pulling it away from the back of the eye. Heavy Silicone Oil helps to counteract this pulling and support the retina.

These conditions are serious and require expert surgical intervention. Your ophthalmologist will determine if Heavy Silicone Oil is the most suitable treatment for your specific eye condition.

How it works

Heavy Silicone Oil works by acting as an internal support, or ‘tamponade’, inside your eye. After a retinal surgery, the eye needs something to gently press the retina back into its correct position and hold it there while it heals. Unlike standard silicone oil, Heavy Silicone Oil is denser than water. This means it settles in the lower part of the eye, providing targeted support to the inferior (lower) retina, which is often affected in complex retinal detachments.

By filling the vitreous cavity (the space in the middle of your eye) with this oil, it creates a physical barrier that pushes the detached retina back against the wall of the eye. This allows the retina to reattach and scar tissue to stabilise, promoting healing and helping to restore vision.

How it’s used

Heavy Silicone Oil is not a medicine you would administer yourself. It is an intraocular oil, meaning it is injected directly into your eye during a surgical procedure performed by a qualified ophthalmologist in a hospital or clinic setting. This is a highly specialised procedure.

Here’s what you can expect regarding its use:

Surgical Injection: The oil is carefully injected into the vitreous cavity of your eye during a vitrectomy surgery. This surgery involves removing the vitreous gel (the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the eye) and then replacing it with the Heavy Silicone Oil.
Temporary Support: The oil remains in your eye for a period determined by your surgeon. It acts as a temporary internal splint, holding the retina in place while it heals.
Planned Removal: In most cases, Heavy Silicone Oil is not meant to stay in your eye permanently. Your ophthalmologist will plan a second surgery to remove the oil once your retina has stabilised and healed sufficiently. The timing of this removal surgery will depend on your individual healing process and the specific condition being treated.
Post-Surgery Care: After the surgery, your doctor will provide detailed instructions on post-operative care, including eye drops, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments. It is crucial to follow these instructions diligently to ensure the best possible outcome.

Remember, this medicine is exclusively for hospital use and administered by specialists. You will be closely monitored throughout the treatment process.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Densiron 68
Oxane HD

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Good to know

Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.

Precautions & side effects

While Heavy Silicone Oil is an effective treatment for severe retinal conditions, there are important precautions and monitoring requirements that your ophthalmologist will discuss with you:

Planned Removal: Heavy Silicone Oil is generally intended for temporary use. A key precaution is the need for its planned surgical removal once your retina has stabilised. Your doctor will discuss the timing of this second surgery with you. Leaving the oil in for too long without monitoring can lead to potential complications.
Monitoring Intraocular Pressure (IOP): It is crucial to regularly monitor the pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure). Heavy Silicone Oil can sometimes cause an increase in IOP, which, if left untreated, can lead to glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist will schedule regular check-ups to measure your IOP and prescribe appropriate treatment if needed.
Monitoring Cornea: The cornea, the clear front window of your eye, also needs to be monitored. Prolonged contact with silicone oil can, in some cases, affect the health of the cornea. Your doctor will examine your cornea during your follow-up visits to ensure its health.
Prescription Eye Medicine: Heavy Silicone Oil is a prescription eye medicine. It must only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription.
Hospital Use Only: This medicine is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

Your ophthalmologist at Pristine Eye Hospitals will explain all potential risks and benefits in detail and ensure you receive the necessary monitoring and care throughout your treatment journey.

At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we understand that facing an eye condition requiring surgery can be daunting. This section provides general information to help you understand more about your eye health and how to care for your eyes, especially when undergoing treatments like those involving Heavy Silicone Oil.

Understanding Retinal Conditions

The retina is a vital part of your eye, much like the film in a camera. It’s a thin layer of tissue at the back of your eye that senses light and sends signals to your brain, allowing you to see. When the retina is damaged or detaches, it can lead to serious vision problems, including blindness if not treated promptly. Conditions like retinal detachment and Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) are complex and require specialised care.

A retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from its normal position. This can happen due to a tear in the retina, allowing fluid to seep underneath and separate it from the underlying tissue. Symptoms can include sudden flashes of light, new floaters (specks or cobwebs that drift across your vision), or a shadow or curtain appearing in your field of vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a more severe form of retinal detachment where scar tissue forms on the retina, causing it to wrinkle and pull away. This makes the detachment more complex and harder to treat. Heavy Silicone Oil is particularly useful in such challenging cases because of its ability to provide strong, sustained support to the retina.

Early diagnosis and timely intervention are key to preserving vision. Regular eye check-ups, especially if you have risk factors like high myopia (nearsightedness), previous eye surgery, or a family history of retinal problems, are highly recommended.

General Eye Care and Hygiene

Maintaining good eye hygiene and following your doctor’s instructions are paramount, especially after eye surgery or when dealing with an eye condition. While Heavy Silicone Oil is an internal treatment, general eye care principles still apply:

Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or applying any eye drops (if prescribed). This prevents the transfer of germs that could lead to infection.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Especially after surgery, avoid rubbing or pressing on your eyes. This can put undue pressure on the healing eye and potentially disrupt the surgical outcome.
Follow Medication Instructions: If you are prescribed eye drops or other medications after your surgery, use them exactly as directed by your ophthalmologist. Do not skip doses or stop using them without consulting your doctor.
Protect Your Eyes: Wear protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, when outdoors to shield your eyes from bright sunlight and dust. If advised by your doctor, wear a protective shield, especially during sleep, to prevent accidental rubbing or injury.
Keep Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up visits are essential for your doctor to monitor your eye’s healing, check the intraocular pressure, and assess the position of the retina and the status of the Heavy Silicone Oil. Do not miss these appointments.
Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can support overall eye health. If you smoke, quitting can significantly benefit your eye health and reduce the risk of various eye conditions.

When to Seek Medical Help

After any eye surgery, it’s important to be aware of potential signs that might indicate a problem. While your doctor will provide specific instructions, here are some general situations when you should contact Pristine Eye Hospitals immediately:

Sudden Decrease in Vision: Any sudden, significant worsening of your vision.
Severe Eye Pain: Intense or persistent pain in or around your eye that is not relieved by prescribed pain medication.
Increased Redness or Swelling: If your eye becomes increasingly red, swollen, or tender.
New or Worsening Discharge: Any new or excessive discharge from your eye, especially if it is thick, yellow, or green.
Flashes of Light or New Floaters: Even after surgery, new flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters could indicate a new retinal issue.
Shadow or Curtain in Vision: A dark area or ‘curtain’ appearing in your field of vision.
Nausea or Vomiting: In some cases, very high eye pressure can cause nausea or vomiting.

Do not hesitate to contact your ophthalmologist or the emergency services at Pristine Eye Hospitals if you experience any of these symptoms. Prompt attention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your treatment. Remember, your vision is precious, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions

What is Heavy Silicone Oil used for?

Heavy Silicone Oil is used in eye surgery to treat complex retinal detachment, especially when it affects the lower part of the retina, and for severe conditions like Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR). It helps to support and hold the retina in its correct position while it heals.

How does Heavy Silicone Oil work?

Heavy Silicone Oil works as an internal support, or 'tamponade', inside your eye. It is denser than water, so it settles in the lower part of the eye, providing targeted support to the lower retina. It gently pushes the detached retina back against the eye wall, allowing it to reattach and heal.

What are the common brands of Heavy Silicone Oil available in India?

In India, some common brands of Heavy Silicone Oil used by ophthalmologists include Densiron 68 and Oxane HD.

How is Heavy Silicone Oil administered or used?

Heavy Silicone Oil is not for self-use. It is an intraocular oil that is injected directly into your eye during a surgical procedure performed by a qualified ophthalmologist in a hospital or clinic setting. It is usually removed in a second surgery once the retina has healed.

Do I need a prescription for Heavy Silicone Oil?

Yes, Heavy Silicone Oil is a prescription eye medicine and is for hospital use only. It must only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist and is never for self-medication.

What precautions should I be aware of with Heavy Silicone Oil?

Key precautions include the need for its planned surgical removal after your retina has healed. Your ophthalmologist will also closely monitor your intraocular pressure (pressure inside your eye) and the health of your cornea, as these can sometimes be affected by the oil.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.