In the U.S.—

Another commonly used name is polydimethylsiloxane.

• Surgical aid, ophthalmic

Silicone oil 5000 centistokes (SIL-i-kone oil 5000 SEN-ti-stokes) is used during eye surgery to prevent or treat a very serious eye problem called a detached retina. It is injected into the back area of the eye to hold the retina in place while it is healing. This product is usually left in the eye for up to 1 year or longer before it is removed during surgery.

Silicone oil 5000 centistokes is administered only by, or under the immediate supervision of, your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:

Parenteral-Local
• Injection (U.S.)

In deciding to receive a medicine, the risks of receiving the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For silicone oil, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to silicone oil.

Pregnancy—Silicone oil has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding—Silicone oil has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—This product has been tested in children and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—This product has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

• Intraocular lens (IOL) replacement—Silicone oil can chemically react with IOLs made with silicone, causing a decrease in vision

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits.

Dosing—

The following information includes only the usual procedure for administering silicone oil.

• For injection dosage form:
  • For detached retina:
    • Adults and children—Silicone is injected into the back area of the eye during surgery to hold the retina in place while it is healing. It is usually left in the eye for up to 1 year or longer before it is removed during surgery.

Discuss with your doctor the possible side effects that may be caused by this product. Some of them may be serious or long-term.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• More common
  • Abdominal pain;  blurred vision or other change in vision not present before treatment, or returning or getting worse after treatment;  eye pain;  eye redness;  headache;  nausea or vomiting;  swelling of eye;  tearing 
  
  

• Less common
  • Seeing floaters or light flashes 
  
  

• Rare
  • Sensitivity to light 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.