Objective To investigate the time and the mechanism of the toxic and side effects of silicone oil on ocular tissues. Methods 19 human eyeballs were examined histopathologically at different time intervals after silicone oil tamponade. Results Microscopic bubbles presumably containing silicone oil were found in sensory retina,RPE,optic nerve, pre and subretinal membrane,iris,anterior chamber angle,and retrocorneal membrane.In the eyes containing silicone oil for less than 9 months.Silicone bubbles were present only in the surface of retina(within preretinal membrane or macrophages),and after that time,silicone bubbles were noted within sensory retina.In an eye enucleated 39 months after intravitreal silicone tamponade,the parenchyma and subarachnoid space of the optic nerve were found to be diffusely invaded by silicone bubbles. Conclusion The histopathologic changes of ocular tissues are related to the duration of intravitreal silicone oil tamponade. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 1999, 15: 232-234)