Silicone oil insulation effects on flash electroretinogram and visual evoked potential in patients with retinal detachment.

Background: Silicone oil is used as endotamponade following vitreoretinal surgery to maintain the retina reattached when indicated. This study investigates the hypothesis that silicone oil causes insulation effects on the retina by affecting its response to light.

Methods: Electrophysiological responses to a flash stimulus were recorded using full-field electroretinography (ERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP).