What is it?
Silicone oil is a clear, heavy liquid that surgeons leave inside the eye after complex retinal detachment repair. It holds the retina in place while the scars around the tears become strong. Unlike gas, it does not absorb, so it is removed once the retina is stable.
Leaving oil for too long can raise eye pressure, cause cataract or let tiny oil droplets spread in the eye, so removal is planned, usually 3 to 6 months after the first surgery.
Who needs it
- You had retinal detachment surgery with silicone oil
- Your surgeon confirms the retina is stable
Keep your planned review dates. Call earlier if you have pain, redness or falling vision.
Call +91 98306 66650How it is diagnosed
- Dilated examination
- OCT
- Eye pressure check
Treatment options
Oil removal alone
About 30 minutes under local anaesthesia.
Oil removal with cataract surgery
Often combined, as many eyes develop cataract while the oil is in.
What happens, step by step
- Day-care
Local anaesthesia, home the same day.
- Follow-up
Day 1, week 1, month 1.
Recovery timeline
- 1 to 2 weeks
Vision often improves quickly once the oil is out. New glasses after about a month.
Silicone oil removal cost in Kolkata
Silicone oil removal typically costs ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per eye in Kolkata, and more if cataract surgery with a lens implant is combined. Spectra gives a written estimate at your review.
| Treatment / test | At Spectra | Typical Kolkata range |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone oil removalper eye | Written estimate | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Vitrectomy combined with cataract surgeryper eye | Written estimate | ₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| OCT scan (retina / macula)per scan | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 |
Spectra prices are those published by Spectra Eye Hospital. Kolkata ranges are indicative 2026 ranges across private eye hospitals in the city. Your final cost depends on the eye, the medicine, and the gas, oil or lens used, and is given to you in writing before any procedure.
Cashless and government schemes
Retina specialists for silicone oil removal
Dr. Subhajit Das
MBBS, DO, MS (Ophthalmology), FICO, FMRF
25+ years in medical and surgical retina, 7,500+ retinal procedures, vitreo-retina fellowship at Sankara Nethralaya (FMRF), ZEISS trained.
- Retinal detachment surgery
- Vitrectomy
- Scleral buckle
- Anti-VEGF injections
Dr. Aniruddha Maiti
MBBS, DO, DNB, FVRS, FICO, MRCS (Edinburgh), FACS
10,000+ vitreo-retinal operations since 2008, former Head of Retina at Susrut Eye Foundation, ASRS Honor Award recipient.
- Macular hole & ERM surgery
- Complex retinal detachment
- Diabetic vitrectomy
- Anti-VEGF & Ozurdex
Dr. Bishwanath Dutta Chowdhury
MBBS, DO, DNB, VR Fellowship
Fellowship-trained retina surgeon at Madhyamgram for retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
- Retina & vitreous surgery
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Uveitis
Dr. Subijoy Sinha
MBBS, MD
Retina and vitreous specialist for diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and medical retina at Madhyamgram.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Dr. Swarup Pathak
MBBS, MS
Retina and vitreous specialist at Madhyamgram, also seeing uveitis, neuro-ophthalmology and squint.
- Medical retina
- Retina & vitreous
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
Frequently asked questions
When is silicone oil removed?
Usually 3 to 6 months after detachment surgery, once the retina is firmly attached.
What does silicone oil removal cost in Kolkata?
Typically ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per eye; combined with cataract surgery it costs more, depending on the lens.
Can the retina detach again after oil removal?
In a small percentage of eyes, yes. Your surgeon removes the oil only when the retina looks stable, and checks you closely afterwards.
Related
Written by the retina team at Spectra Eye Hospital. Last updated 22 October 2026. This page explains common situations and is not a substitute for an eye examination.