Silicone oil is widely used as a vitreous substitute in vitreoretinal surgeries.1 It is most frequently indicated in complex cases of retinal detachments and proliferative diabetic retinopathy associated with tractional retinal detachment, as well as ocular trauma to stabilize the retina and inhibit proliferative activity.1 Liquid silicone was first injected into the vitreous cavity of rabbit eyes in 1958, and then utilized for the treatment of retinal detachments in 1962 by Cibis et al.2 Several complications have been reported: including cataract formation; band keratopathy; rubeosis iridis; optic neuropathy; glaucoma; chronic uveitis; migration into the lateral ventricles of the brain; posterior ciliary artery occlusion; epiretinal membranes; and episcleral, subconjunctival, and orbital foreign body granulomas.
Ophthalmia nodosa is an inflammatory reaction in and around the eyes to certain types of insect and plant hairs possessing unique characteristics, including mechanical and toxic attributes.1,2 We recommend that ophthalmologists and paediatricians be informed of the potential complications from direct contact with these insects.