PREMATURE EMULSIFICATION OF SILICONE OIL AFTER RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR IN THE SETTING OF HIGH-INTENSITY EXERCISE.

Purpose: To describe a rare case of silicone oil emulsification that occurred only three months postoperatively. We discuss the implications for postoperative counseling.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of a single patient.

Results: Thirty-nine-year-old woman who presented with a right eye macula-on retinal detachment that was repaired with scleral buckle, vitrectomy, and silicone oil tamponade. Her course was complicated by extensive silicone oil emulsification within 3 months postoperatively, most likely because of shear forces induced by her daily CrossFit exercise regimen.

Conclusion: Typical postoperative precautions after a retinal detachment repair include no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for one week. These restrictions may need to be more stringent and long-term for patients with silicone oil to prevent early emulsification.